Willard Mining District (Utah). Recorder

Entity: 2733
Entity Type: Mining District

Abstract

According to the laws of the United States, "miners of each mining district may make regulations not in conflict with the laws of the United States, or with the laws of the State or Territory in which the district is situated". Mine owners elected a mining district recorder to uphold this law and regulate the mining district. The Territory of Utah considered the mining district recorder a public official similar to the county recorder. The Willard Mining District Recorder recorded mining operations in Box Elder County, Utah. The district recorder's office ended in 1897 when the law changed and county recorder assumed sole responsibility for mining records.

Biography/History Notes

The Willard Mining District Recorder kept the district mining records, which constitute a legal record, for the purpose of monitoring and registering mining claims and operations. He was responsible for recording claims, notices of location, deeds and proofs of labor. The recorder was also responsible for certifying the records with the seal of the office which provided evidence and official status of the recorder. Mining district recorders were deemed public officials and records in their custody were deemed as public records (Compiled Laws of Utah, 1876, Chapter 10).

The Willard Mining District Recorder was elected by mine owners within the mining district. The district recorders were: Alfred Gordon 1870-1871; William Lowe, 1871-1874; and Thomas Brewerton, 1875-1897.

Hierarchy

Willard Mining District (Utah). Recorder