Williams Mining District (Utah). Recorder
Abstract
Biography/History Notes
Nineteenth century mining districts served two primary functions: they established rules and regulations based on federal law and adapted to local needs, and they selected a recorder to keep official records concerning each claim. Williams Mining District by-laws specified that each claim should be recorded by the district recorder within 60 days after location in a book that should remain open for public inspection
Williams Mining District miners elected a recorder to serve for a two year term. The district recorder could appoint deputies to assist him as needed.
In 1897 the Utah Legislature enacted a mining law which transferred responsibility for recording location notices and other mining documents to county recorders (Laws of Utah, 1897, chapter 36, "Mining Claims"). All books previously kept by district recorders were to be deposited in the office of the county recorder.