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RG 107

Maricopa County

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Maricopa County was established February 14, 1871, as Arizona's fifth county. It was created from a portion of Yavapai County and named after the Maricopa Indians. Phoenix has always served as the county seat.

SG 1. Assessor

Assessment rolls. 1872-1912 and 1926. 1 c.f. (2 volumes and 84 rolls of microfilm).
Records are titled Maricopa County Tax Rolls. Some of these records, 1872-1912, deteriorated due to age and water before they were microfilmed so they may be difficult to read. Assessment and tax rolls for 1926 are microfilmed and contain only the letter "M."
Unsecured property tax roll. 1944. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
This two-part record lists the unsecured property taxes on merchants, manufacturers and professions.

SG 2. Attorney

Attorney cases. 1962-1983. 32 c.f. (34 boxes).
Cases include Arizona v. Miranda, 1962-1975; Arizona v. Vargas, 1976-1980; and Arizona v. Warren, the Great Southwest Land and Cattle Company, 1962-1980. Records are arranged by case number.
Dockets. 1872-1882 and 1921-1930. 1 c.f. (3 volumes)
Dockets include Justice Court docket #1, 1922-1930; Superior Court docket #1, 1921-1925, which is indexed; and a District Attorney case docket, 1872-1882.
Register of criminal action. 1909-1922. 3.3 c.f. (11 volumes).
These volumes are indexed and arranged chronologically.

SG 3. Coroner

Docket. 1881-1898. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
The docket reports proceedings and is signed by the Justice of the Peace as ex officio Coroner. Volume is not indexed.

SG 4. Justice of the Peace

Dockets. 1871-1981. 25.5 c.f. (85 volumes).
Some of the dockets are divided between civil and criminal and some include indices. They are all organized chronologically. A Tempe docket, 1914-1917, contains a separate volume entitled Minutes of the Tempe Merchants' Protective Association, dated October 21, 1910-July 20, 1913.
Register of criminal warrants. 1927-1931. Fraction (1 volume).
This volume is arranged chronologically.
Cashbooks. 1955-1961 and 1975-1977. Fraction c.f. (2 volumes).
Volumes include an Adult Probation cashbook, 1955-1961, and a Justice of the Peace cashbook, 1975-1977, from an unidentified precinct.

SG 5. Recorder

Articles of incorporation. 1875-1913. 1 c.f. (58 rolls of microfilm).
Articles of incorporation list names of companies, capital stock, officers, nature of business, names of stockholders, name of statutory agent and sometimes amendments. These are indexed and arranged in chronological order by filing date.
Bonds. 1871-1888. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
Bonds are indexed and include indentures and official bonds. This volume contains handwritten oaths to support the Constitution and include date, name, sureties, oath, signature and notary public stamp and endorsement.
Brand specimens. 1877-1897. 3 c.f. (3 boxes).
Specimens are on leather with attached written explanations of body markings, ear crops, date and where recorded.
Elections. 1876-1970. 8 c.f. (1 box, 25 volumes, 2 items, and 33 rolls of microfilm).
Records include great registers, 1876-1938. Corrections are at the end or are supplemental. There is an election register for the Salt River Valley Reservoir District of Maricopa County, General Election, April 5, 1938, arranged by precincts. There are also 1970 Maricopa County election precincts and maps and an official military Register of Electors, 1917, arranged alphabetically.
Feebooks. 1906-1916. 2.4 c.f. (8 volumes).
Feebooks list nature of instrument filed and fees paid for filings.
Indices. 1875-1920. 1 c.f. (3 volumes).
Volumes include a mining claims index, 1875-1903; an index to instruments filed for record, 1887; and an index to release of mortgages of personal property, 1920.
Notary records. 1884-1901. 1.5 c.f. (5 volumes).
Registers of notaries list name, executed by, executed to, nature of instrument, such as a deed or Power of Attorney, date, remarks and fee.
Medical and dental registers. 1873-1920. Fraction (2 volumes).
Registers include diploma, license and certificate registers for medical and dental occupations, 1881-1919, which are indexed. The dental certificate forms are bound in one volume as record of dentists' certificates, 1903-1911, also indexed.
Mortgage records. 1879-1920. 24.9 c.f. (83 volumes and 2 rolls of microfilm).
Earlier mortgages include a description of property. Records include release of mortgages, 1907-1910 and 1912-1914.
Separate property of married women. 1879-1899. Fraction c.f. (2 volumes).
These are women's signed declarations of property. Records refer mostly to real estate; other properties mentioned are livestock, chickens, merchandise and water rights.
Abstracts of title. 1872-1898. Fraction c.f. (1 box).
Records show legal title to lands vested in the Arizona Improvement Company. Folder includes the will of Coles Bashford. Also included is title of lands subject to sale at Florence which was prepared by the Phoenix Title Guaranty and Abstract Company.
Claims to canals, mill sites and water locations. 1872-1902. Fraction c.f. (2 boxes).
Claims include correspondence, reports and claims to ditches, canals and millsites. There are some years missing. Arranged chronologically and indexed.

SG 6. Sheriff

Cashbook. 1885-1886. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
The volume notes taxes collected by the Sheriff and given to the Treasurer.
Register of action. 1885-1895. 1.5 c.f. (5 volumes).
Record of U.S. prisoners. 1887-1895, 1911-1913, 1941, and 1949-1961. 1.5 c.f. (5 volumes).
Record of U.S. prisoners. 1887-1895, 1911-1913, 1941, and 1949-1961. 1.5 c.f. (5 volumes).
Includes commitments from other counties or jurisdictions. Records show federal prisoners, 1941 and 1953-1961, and federal immigration prisoners, 1949-1953. Arranged chronologically.
Licenses. 1879-1918 and 1926. 1.5 c.f. (5 volumes).
Volumes include records of licenses issued, 1879-1918, by the Sheriff, for saloons, wholesale liquors, shows, gambling, billiards, bowling alleys and pawnbrokers. There is also a record of license fees and taxes, 1926.
Prison commitments. 1909-1911. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
Entries are recorded chronologically.
Daybook. 1925-1926. Fraction c.f. (1 volume).
This volume lists administrative entries where action is expected at the Sheriff's office.
Records of prisoners. 1928-1967. 10.5 c.f. (35 volumes).
These volumes include a Sheriff's index to prisoners, 1929-1967, and records of prisoners, 1928-1967.

SG 7. Superintendent of Schools

Board of Trustee records. 1871-1951. 3.0 c.f. (10 volumes and 2 rolls of microfilm).
The minute records of School District One outline the School District's boundaries and changes and note petitions for changes. The Board meeting minutes, 1883-1914, are concerned with applications for examination, lists of trustees, teachers for various schools in the district and the vote on Union High School. The register of teachers' certificates and diplomas, 1905-1944, presents dates of issue and expiration, renewals and reinstatements, and is arranged alphabetically. District and trustees records, 1914-1931, are names of trustees and district served and notes, arranged chronologically.
Teacher records. 1883-1950. 4.2 c.f. (14 volumes and 5 rolls of microfilm).
Teachers' registers, 1941-1950, contain teachers' monthly reports and a summary. School Registers, 1916-1930, are all for Alhambra District. Included are specifications for the addition to the Alhambra Grade School, 1929.
School census marshals' reports. 1905-1940. 1 c.f. (1 box and 4 rolls of microfilm).
Records are available in hard copy, 1905 and 1907-1911, and on microfilm, 1905-1940, arranged chronologically by district number. Some of the reports of attendance are on Indian pupils in public schools. 1931 is the end of regular reports on microfilm. In 1939-1940, name, age, attendance and remarks are noted.

SG 8. Superior Court

Clerk of the Court. 1872-1985. 104.3 c.f. (61 boxes, 146 volumes and 1 roll of microfilm).
Records include calendars, 1879-1905; blotter fees, 1916-1923; indexed executive dockets, 1887-1899; and issue dockets, 1890. Actions may include divorce, foreclosure or quit title. Registers of action and feebooks, 1887-1930, are fees earned in cases. Also included are Judge Robert C. Broomfield's administrative files, 1971-1985.
Civil Division. 1871-1987. 177 c.f. (150 boxes, 165 volumes and 242 rolls of microfilm).
Records include civil case files, 1871-1922; warrant books, 1918-1924; water-related cases, number 4564, 7589 and 9829; registers of action and feebooks, 1877-1929; index of civil actions, 1878-1927; docket books, 1878-1888 and 1907-1909; motion dockets, 1912-1919; judgment dockets, 1901-1919; judgment books, 1885-1930; tax judgments, 1905-1926; tax litigation, 1926-1930; register of action of tax suits, 1924-1927; reporters' transcripts from George W. P. Hunt v. Thomas W. Campbell, 1917; marriage licenses and certificates (indexed), 1871-1957; marriage affidavits, 1894-1968; and Water Commissioner files, 1878-1987. Water-related cases, numbered 4564, 7589 and 9829, are on microfilm and are difficult to read.
Tax judgments, 1905-1926, are arranged alphabetically. Tax litigations concern delinquent tax cases, 1926-1930, on real property (described) for taxes not paid when due.
Reporters' transcripts of Division One Superior Court case, George W. P. Hunt v. Thomas E. Campbell, contested January to May, 1917, include five volumes indexed with list of exhibits for the contested election over the Office of Governor where the vote difference was less than 50 ballots. Materials relating to Whitney v.Arizona Journal Miner (1917-1920).
Marriage licenses and certificates, 1871-1957, are indexed. Marriage affidavits are applications for license to marry. Early records are arranged chronologically, later chronologically/alphabetically by female maiden name.
Water Commissioner files, 1878-1987, document execution of the Kent Decree and the Benson Allison Decree which established rights for diversion of water from the Salt River.
Criminal Division. 1871-1971. 15 c.f. (2 boxes, 46 volumes and 83 rolls of microfilm).
Records include case files, 1871-1929; calendars, 1879-1894; registers of action, 1886-1957; indexes to registers of action, 1886-1926; and materials from Arizona v. Miranda, 1963-1971. Criminal case files, 1871-1929, are filed in chronological order. Registers of actions, 1886-1957, have accompanying indices, 1886-1926, and are indexed alphabetically. Materials from Arizona v. Miranda, 1963-1971, contain the court documents and exhibits from the case including transcripts, motions, pleadings, correspondence, warrants, petitions and photographs.
Probate Division. 1871-1960. 34.2 c.f. (1 box, 113 volumes, 1 folder and 1 roll of microfilm).
Records include an index to probate cases, 1876-1935; feebooks, 1901 and 1910-1941; court calendar, 1890; court order books, 1872-1897; register of actions, 1871-1910; claims, 1879-1912 and 1928-1936; probate judgments, 1898-1901; naturalizations, 1912-1914; insanity hearings, 1880-1926; minutes, 1873-1909 and 1916-1932; general ledger, 1911-1915; wills, 1901-1948; wills and estates, 1877-1890; letters of administration and bonds, 1877-1888 and 1904-1960; and an inventory and appraisal of minors' estates, 1899-1901. Index to probate cases, 1877-1916, is an index to Probate Court records. Blotter, 1915-1916, is a daybook of actions and ends with "all papers after this date entered directly into feebook."
Maricopa County Probate Court record book and calendar, 1871-1879, begins with the first regular term of court, 1871, and includes a calendar of court action in each case. Inventory and appraisals of minors' estates, 1899-1901, contain reports to the court of real and personal property of the deceased, arranged alphabetically.
Naturalizations include declarations of intention, 1912-1914, and are indexed. Petitions and records have a few loose notices of application for admission for citizenships, 1914.

SG 9. Board of Supervisors

Old age pension applications. 1926-1965. 1.6 c.f. (3 boxes).
Applications are not indexed, filed only in a numerical/chronological arrangement. Certificates of award are separate. Many are missing.
Minutes. 1903-1927. 4.2 c.f. (4 boxes and 3 volumes).
Minutes contain audit of salary claims, published newspaper official proceedings and affidavits of publication.
Canvass tabulations. 1938. Fraction c.f. (1 roll).
Tabulations contain election votes cast for various state officials and referred initiative measures in the November 8, 1938, general election.
Subdivision records. 1937-1939 and 1953. Fraction (2 folders).
Records include plats and correspondence of certificates of survey of three subdivisions. Documents include inspections, planning and zoning approvals, and street and alley alignments.
Water records. 1920-1965. Fraction c.f. (1 box).
Records include petitions for hearings, maps, oaths of directors, official bonds, resolutions, notices of district elections, correspondence and minutes for the Leon Irrigation District, 1920-1922; the Nadaburg Irrigation District, 1923-1959; and the Maricopa County South Water Conservation District, 1927-1929. Other records are correspondence, reports and petitions for the Irrigation Water Delivery District, 1941-1965.
Account ledgers. 1881-1956. 4.5 c.f. (15 volumes).
Ledgers list expenditures for Detention Home, Juvenile Court, Tubercular Hospital, County Farm and Assessor records for school funds and roads. Volumes include records of indebtedness.
County officers' accounts. 1881-1926. 3 c.f. (10 volumes).
Volumes include accounts of county officers with County Treasurer.
Records of other County officials. 1886-1960. 3.9 c.f. (13 volumes).
These volumes include a District Court Probate minute book, 1886-1892; Treasurer's tax sales of property, 1889-1893 and 1902-1903, along with a record of warrants paid, 1906-1908; a Tempe Justice Court docket book, 1904-1906; Recorder's release of mortgages index, 1911-1929; five volumes of Sheriff's records of U.S. Prisoners, 1921-1960; and Assessor's Personal Tax distribution volume, 1930-1939.

SG 11. Treasurer

Taxes. 1877-1963 and 1972. 22.5 c.f. (75 volumes).
Records include an index to tax deeds, 1877-1893; property sold for delinquent taxes, 1896-1900; poll taxes, 1878-1914; delinquent tax lists, 1878; road tax records, 1884-1886; taxes collected, 1886-1888; and special tax lists and taxes collected for District Three, 1887 and 1892. Taxes collected, 1886-1888, show "amount of taxes received." A daybook or journal with day by day lists of names of persons, companies, organizations and amounts of taxes collected from them. Notations, "balance or on account" and poll taxes collected for 1887-1888 are sometimes included.
Also includes a record of property sold for delinquent taxes, 1896-1900. The delinquent tax list of 1878 has remarks that range from notes paid to judgments obtained. [At the time, the District Attorney was the delinquent tax collector.]
Account ledgers. 1871-1921. 6.6 c.f. (22 volumes).
Ledgers include an accounts ledger, 1871-1879; a cash blotter, 1920-1921; a journal, 1885; and license receipts, 1901-1912. Journal shows amounts allotted to funds. License receipts, 1901-1912, show amounts turned in to Treasurer by the Sheriff for licenses.
Warrants. 1872-1940 and 1961-1963. 4.2 c.f. (14 volumes).
Volumes list warrants issued on general funds. Arranged chronologically.
School funds. 1878-1926. 3 c.f. (10 volumes).
Volumes show cash paid by warrant or apportionment to each school district or balance of cash in fund. A register of school warrants, 1905-1910, is arranged chronologically.

 

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