Secretary of State Private companies incorporation record books, 1884-1919.

These volumes record copies of certificates of incorporation issued to newly organized for-profit private corporations. Each certificate gives the company name, the date and name of the court/county where initial papers were filed, the court/county clerk's claim that the agreement and oaths had been filed, and a statement that the Secretary of State had received copies of the papers along with the clerk's certificate, all signed and dated by the Secretary.

Under the laws of the territorial legislature, individuals desiring to incorporate, were to file an agreement and oaths to that effect with the county probate court clerk. The agreement was to specify the nature and place of business, amount of stock to be issued, terms for officers, etc. Oaths and bonds for the officers were also to be filed with the county probate court clerk. The clerk then issued a certificate verifying that these papers had been filed. The certificate, together with copies of the papers, were then sent to theTerritorial Secretary. The Secretary in turn issued a certificate of incorporation and completed the forms in these record books.

In 1887, the federal Edmunds-Tucker act invalidated the authority of the probate courts, and their responsibilities in terms of incorporation were assumed by the district courts. At statehood the papers were filed, and the initial certificate issued, by the county clerk. The Secretary of State continued to issue a certificate and complete a copy in these record books.