Series 24572

Ophir Mining District (Utah). Recorder Deeds

Dates: 1870-1873.

2 microfilm reels

These records are housed in the Utah State Archives' permanent storage room.

Historical Note

An agency history is available.

Scope and Content

The earliest Ophir Mining District (Tooele County, Utah) recorders registered deeds transferring mining claims or mining property from one party to another. Prospectors in the early Ophir District were highly involved in trading mining property because the original Ophir by-laws limited the amount each individual could claim to 200 feet per person, an amount significantly less than later allowed by federal law. (Federal mining law passed in 1872 allowed 1500 feet, see Statutes at Large, Treaties, and Proclamations, of the United States of America, 1872, vol. 17, chap. 152). Mining deeds, sometimes called indentures, include the name and residence of involved parties, the amount of consideration money, the date, and the name and description of the claim being sold. Deeds were validated by the signatures of seller, notary public, district recorder, and witnesses. In addition to deeds, Book B contains file entries recorded between March and August 1871. The deed book also includes a fewother miscellaneous documents, such as a power of attorney and a location notice amendment.

Access Restrictions

This series is designated as Public.

Reproduction and Use

These records are available for reproduction and use.

Related Records

Mining records from Ophir Mining District (Utah). Recorder, Series 24165, contain the bulk of mining records for the Ophir District including notices of location for mining claims, and a few additional deeds in Book A.

Miscellaneous records from Ophir Mining District (Utah). Recorder, Series 24508, contain documents affecting the validity of early Ophir District mining claims.

File books from Ophir Mining District (Utah). Recorder, Series 24971, provide reference to early Ophir mining notices of location. File entries for March to August 1871 were recorded in a deed book.

Indexing Terms

Deeds--Utah--Tooele County.

Mines and mineral resources--Property--Utah--Tooele County.

Utah--Tooele County--Mines and mineral resources.

Ophir (Utah)--History.

REEL	DESCRIPTION
1	Deed Book (1870, Sept-1872, Feb; 1873, May)
2	Book B (1870, Oct-1871, Mar)
2	Book B, cont. (file entries, 171, Mar-Aug)