1871-2010

Series documents the process by which a person(s) legally assumes the parenting of another person, most often a child, from that person's biological or legal parent(s). The process permanently transfers all parenting rights and responsibilities from the biological parent(s) to the adopting parent(s). Adoptions summaries from 1864 to 1918 were published in annual reports in the Oregon Laws. These reports included the date, present name, former name, by whom adopted and county of adoption. Historically, adoption information was recorded in various ways in Oregon and was sometimes recorded with other unrelated legal actions into circuit court, probate, or county court journals or case files. Beginning in the early 1900s, adoptions were often recorded as a distinct record series that included records such as adoption case files, journals, registers, dockets, and indexes. Adoptions are now determined exclusively by circuit courts. Access to adoption records is restricted. Adult adoptees must show personal identification to see court documents pertaining to their adoptions. With some exceptions, most other people must get a court order to gain access to adoption records.

The Josephine County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013. Adoption records created since 2011 are maintained electronically.

Adoptions [Case Files-includes related adoption journal and adoption docket sheets-with early gaps], 1871-2010 (28 cu.ft.).​

Series documents the payment of county and state bounty money to individuals who presented the scalps and other prescribed body parts of targeted predatory animals. The program was intended to control the threat to livestock. Examples of targeted animals include coyote, cougar, mountain lion, panther, wildcat, bobcat, lynx, and wolf. Records include registers, affidavits, certificates, and statements. Information includes claimant and affiant names; kind of animal; number of scalps; date killed or presented; and number, amount, and date of warrant. The records are also referred to as scalp bounty records. 

Scalp Bounties [Animal-Lists], 1946-1959 (.10 cu.ft.); 1969-1979 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Josephine County Scalp Bounties Paid [Abstract], 1909-1921 (1 binder). 

Scalp Bounty [General Fund Claims-Animal Scalps-trifolded], 1909-1921 (1 cu.ft.).

​1859-[ongoing]

Series documents the assessment of real and personal property, the determination of tax liability, and the collection of county taxes. Assessment, tax, and delinquent tax records are labeled as rolls, lists, or summaries. Records show property owner; description and value of urban and agricultural land, personal property, and livestock; assessments, equalizations, and taxes due; and notations on payment and delinquency in payment of taxes. Beginning with 1900, counties have only been required to retain permanently those assessment and tax rolls for years ending in "0" and "5."

Statemen​t of Taxes​​

Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. Information includes assumed business name; description of business; filing date; and business owner, notary public, witness, clerk or recorder, and deputy's name. Series may also include an index arranged alphabetically by business name. Businesses which were registered were typically automotive sales, motorcycle repair, merchandise shops, butchers, and feed stores. Since 1964, assumed business names have been filed with the Secretary of State. Assumed business names have been inventoried through 1964. For more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Business Registry Section​.

[Assumed Business Names-Record], vol. 1-12, 1913-1964 (8 reels of microfilm);

Master Index to Assumed Business Names and Incorporations, 1913-1964 (1 volume). 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Assumed Business Names [Record], vol. 1-12, 1913-1964 (8 reels of microfilm).

1858-1983 

Series documents liens placed on real property by the county to satisfy debts. Attachments are ordered by the circuit court and authorize the sheriff to seize or transfer property to satisfy debts such as loans, mortgages, or tax liens. The sheriff will hold the property in trust until the debt is paid or the property is sold. Information includes defendant name, statement of attachment, property description, statement of return when attachment is satisfied, return of execution, dates attachment is issued and returned, court order, and sheriff's signature. Attachment records have been inventoried through 1920.

Court Proceedings [includes circuit and county court proceedings and attachment records], 1858-1912 (5 cu.ft.). 

Attachment Record of Real Estate, vol. 1, 1886-1892 (1 volume); 

Certificate of Attachment Filed Under Defendant [Alphabetical], ca.1909-ca.1979 (.20 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court 3rd Floor Records Storage Room: 

Attachment Register, 1896-1912 (1 volume); 

Certificate of Attachment Record [with index], vol. 1-2, 1893-1932 (1 volume); 

Index to Certificate of Attachment, 1893-1983 (1 volume).

Series documents the recording of births by the county. Records include certificates, affidavits for correction, registers, delayed entry for births and corrected entries. Information includes registration number; child's name, sex, legitimacy, birth date, and birthplace; name, residence, color, age, birthplace, and occupation of father and mother; number of other children born to mother; signature of physician or midwife; filing date; and registrar's signature. Birth records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register births. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Birth records have been inventoried through 1920. For information concerning more recent records, contact the State Registrar. Also see Delayed Birth Records series for related records. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096. ​

1858-1983

Series documents cases heard before the circuit courts and the U.S. district courts. U.S. district courts were administered by the federal government during the territorial period and subsequently replaced by the circuit courts upon statehood in 1859. Case files include exhibits, transcripts, indexes, and legal documents such as indictments, subpoenas, fee bills, articles of agreement, bonds, summons, executions, petitions, and injunctions. The case files document civil and criminal actions such as debt, theft, divorce, land claims, arson, murder, rape, assault and battery, and boundary conflicts. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

1858-1983 

Series records brief entries about the proceedings of court cases. Information includes date; plaintiff and defendant names; cause of action such as larceny, assault, divorce, or receivership; attorney names; and final disposition of the case. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the state court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Bar Docket, 1859-1865 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Docket, 1858-1883 (3 volumes);

Circuit Court Journal and Fee Book [Register-with index], 1859-1883 (1 volume).  

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:  

Bar Docket Law and Equity, vol. 1-3, 1899-1908 (3 volumes);

Circuit Court Bar Docket, 1866-1884 (1 volume); 

Circuit Court Docket [with index], vol. 1, 1893-1899 (1 volume); 

Circuit Court Fee Book [and Register-with index], vol. 1, 1892-1894 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Minutes, 1926-1933 (2 volumes);

Docket [Circuit Court], 1883-1892 (1 volume);

Register Circuit Court [with index], 1863-1884 (1 volume); 

Register of Actions [with index], vol. 1-2, 1889-1908 (2 volumes); 

Register of County Court [actually Circuit Court], 1886-1893 (1 volume). 

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court 3rd Floor Records Storage Room: 

Docket Sheets [Circuit Court], 1961-1969 (3 cu.ft.); 

Index to Register of Actions and Judgment Roll Docket, 1909-1984 (7 volumes); 

Register and Circuit Court Docket, 1969-1971 (.50 cu.ft.); 

Register of Actions, vol. 1-5, 1906-1927 (5 volumes); 1971-1983 (27 volumes). 

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court Room 218: 

Index to Register of Actions and Judgment Roll Docket, vol. 4-6, 1934-1970 (3 reels of microfilm);

Register [Reg. of Actions-Circuit Court], 1863-1884 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Register [Reg. of Actions-Circuit Court-with index], vol. 1-2, 1889-1908 (1 reel of microfilm).

1856-1983 

Series records chronological narratives of the proceedings of the court including actions taken such as decrees, judgments, arrangements, sentences, dismissals, and grand jury reports. Information includes plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; term of court; character and date of case; case number; and date of issue. The term "judgment" refers to judicial decisions regarding the verdict, decision, or judgment rendered by the court and is distinct from those judgments relating to the recovery of court costs and awards (see Judgment and Execution Dockets). Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Record [Circuit Court Journal], 1859-1878 (1 volume);

[U.S. District Court Journal], 1856-1859 (1 volume). 

Circuit Court Journal, vol. 3-48, 1890-1953 (46 volumes); vol. 135-136, 1982 (2 reels of microfilm);

Index to Circuit Court Journal, vol. 1-2, 1890-1919 (2 volumes);  

Record Circuit Court Journal, vol. 3, 1878-1890 (1 volume). 

Circuit Court Journal [Index Direct & Reverse], vol. 1-2, n.d. (1 reel of microfilm); 

Circuit Court Journal, vol. 1-57, 62-142, 1859-1957, 1959-1983 (103 reels of microfilm).

Series documents the recording of legal documents filed in the clerk's or recorder's office. These documents were not required to be filed with the clerk and often included filings such as birth and marriage certificates of individuals who were born or married outside of the county but wanted the document to be filed in their county of residence. Other documents include wills, obligation bonds, quit claims, deeds, conveyances, mortgage satisfactions, agreements, charters, partnership dissolutions, contracts, powers of attorney, liens, leases, marriage licenses, military discharges, ministerial certificates, medical personnel licenses, birth and death certificates, and affidavits of publication. Information includes dates filed, name of individual filing, type of action, and volume and page number where recorded. Series may also include alphabetical indexes of individuals filing a recording. Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings have been inventoried through 1965. 

Series documents the filing of transactions, authorized by statute, with the clerk or recorder of the county for the purpose of making the transaction a matter of public record. Information includes dates filed, type and description of transactions, filing numbers, names of parties involved, amounts charged or assessed, and clerk or recorder's signatures. Series may also include alphabetical indexes that contain volume and page numbers where recorded and names of individual filing transactions. Transactions include records that were previously maintained separately, such as mortgages; deeds; military service records; federal, mechanic's, and road improvement liens; mining claims; satisfactions; judgment assignments; notarial commissions; medical and ministerial licenses; oaths; and affidavits of publication. This series is commonly referred to as the Book of Records. 

Since 1980 deeds, mortgages, mining claims, and water rights, have been recorded in the clerk's Book of Records. Since 1994 commissioners journals have been recorded in the clerk's Book of Records. The Book of Records index is available only on computer. A public access computer is available in the clerk's office. 

Book of Records [title varies], 1980-present (ca.950 reels of microfilm). 

Volumes [Book of Records], 1980-2000 (ca.400 reels of microfilm).

1855-[ongoing] 

Series documents the establishment and/or restoration of survey corners or monuments by the county surveyor or registered land surveyors. Records include maps, field survey restoration notes, historical notes, and indexes. Information includes description of corners; existing markers; descriptions of new markers and any changes made to the locations; property owners; township, range, and section numbers; donation land claim information; date the new markers were set; and surveyor's signatures.

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office:  

Government Corner Record Index, ca.1855-ca.1967 (3 volumes); 

Surveyors Records [Corner Restoration], vol. A1, 1908-1951 (1 volume).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office Public Research Room: 

[Corner Survey Visual Index Plats-by township and range], n.d.-2012 (16 volumes); 

County Surveyors Book [Corner Restoration Notes-copies], vol. 1-12, ca.1893-2014 (10 binders);

[Original BLM/GLO Survey Records-includes corner restoration and donation land claim survey information-Bureau of Land Management/General Land Office-paper copy of microfiche records], ca.1856-ca.1996 (16 volumes); 

Proportioned Corner [Book-Notes], vol. 50, 1989-2001 (1 binder);

Re-Established Corners [Wall Visual Reference Map], n.d.-2008 (1 map). 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office Records Storage Vault:  

BLM Microfiche [Original BLM/GLO Survey Records-includes corner restoration and donation land claim survey information-Bureau of Land Management/General Land Office], ca.1856-1998 (5 inches of microfiche);

Field Notes [Survey-includes land corner surveys], 1965-1982 (3 binders);​

Re-Estab Field Notes [Re-Established Land Corner], 1985-2009 (.40 cu.ft.).

Miscellaneous Items [Land Corner Survey Book-in bottom drawer-with index], ca.1900 (1 volume).

Series records the results of the examination of a corpse by the county coroner at the request of the county sheriff. It also documents the proceedings and results of inquests ordered by the district attorney. Reports include date filed; name, age, sex, race, parentage, and birthplace of deceased; date, place, and time of death; names of undertaker and coroner; testimony; and costs. Early reports were narrative accounts detailing the cause of death. After 1900, a standardized form was used for reporting results. Inquest transcripts include coroner and juror names, signatures, and actions; witness names; testimony; and verdict. Coroner and inquest records have been inventoried through 1965.

Coroner's Examinations [Records], 1911-1966 (1 reel of microfilm).

Josephine County Documents [Testimony of Coroner's Inquest], 1857, 1862, 1884 (.05 cu.ft.).

​Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Finance Department Office: 

Josephine County Budget, 2015-present (4 binders). 

Budget Adopted [County], 2007-2010 (1 cu.ft.);

Budgets [County-title varies], 1972-2008 (3 cu.ft.). 

Budget I​nformation​ ​[County], 2004-present.

Records at the Josephine County Website:

Agendas ​& Minutes​​ [Board of County Commissioners], 2016-present.

1958-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and revision of a plan for the use of lands within the county. Series includes plans for transportation, energy, housing, population and economics, public facilities and services, urbanization, natural resources, greenways, recreation, agricultural and forest lands, land capability, resource quality, floodplains, landmarks, historic property, rural community center designation, and natural areas. Each plan includes background information about the subject; supporting documentation such as maps, charts, and diagrams; and a narrative description of each aspect of the plan and how it is to be implemented. Series may also include an overall "comprehensive plan" which contains historical and current looks at county land practices and defines goals and policies adhered to during the creation and implementation of the plan.

The online Josephine County Property Data Map​ GIS database includes a variety of basemap and layer information such as aerial photo, topographic, tax lot, city limits, comprehensive plan, zoning, roads, districts, soils, and much more.

Records at the Josephine County Planning Office: 

[Comprehensive Plan Development and Reference Library Records-relating to statewide goals-in binders], ca.1980-present (6 cu.ft.);

Comprehensive Plan [Josephine County], 1981 (1 volume);

Josephine County Comprehensive Plan Ordinances, 1984-2011 (1 binder); 

Ord [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances], 1981-2012 (10 binders); 

[Property Files-Legal Land Use Action Case Files-includes information related to the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances, subdivisions, partitions, and other planning actions-also includes planning commission minutes], ca.1958-present (maintained electronically on Laserfiche).

Records at the Josephine County Planning Office Booth Street Storage Unit: 

Comprehensive Plan Draft, 1979 (.40 cu.ft.);

[Miscellaneous Planning Maps-includes comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, vicinity, and related maps-rolled], ca.1971-present (ca.200 maps).​

Miscellaneous Items [Josephine County Comprehensive Plan], 1976 (1 volume). 

Ordinanc​es​ [Josephine County - comprehensive plan, zoning, and land division information], 1981-present;
​​​​

1858-1932 

Series documents the actions of the county court in civil and some criminal cases. Records include complaints, judgments, decrees, summonses, warrants, affidavits, writs, and an index. County court cases include spousal support, employment compensation, satisfaction of judgments, and divorce. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; case type; and filing dates of actions and decrees.

Court Proceedings [includes circuit and county court proceedings and attachment records], 1858-1912 (5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Index to County Court Journal [apparently indexes county court proceedings], ca.1858-ca.1912 (1 volume); 

Judgment Roll [Circuit Court Case Files-includes some county court], 1887-1932 (67 cu.ft.).

Series records the proceedings of the county court for civil and some criminal cases. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; trial date; memorandum of subsequent proceedings; and fees charged. Cases include citizenship petitions, legal changes to name, commitments, and writs of habeas corpus. Portions of these records may be restricted. 

County Court Docket-Equity, 1861-1882 (1 volume); 

County Court Journal [with index], vol. 2-3, 1899-1947 (2 volumes); 

Record County Court Journal [includes some naturalization and insane commitment actions], vol. 1, 1859-1899 (1 volume);

Records [Judicial Court Docket], 1859-1883 (1 volume); 

Register of Actions County Court [with index], vol. 1, 1906-1947 (1 volume).

1947-[ongoing] 

Series documents the preparation and organization of the county fair by the county fair board (including any predecessor group) and other county officials. Records include fair board minutes, reports, and annual premium lists and publications. Minutes and reports include information pertaining to county fair employment, budgets, sponsorship, capital improvements to fairgrounds, and event scheduling throughout the year. Annual premium lists and/or publications may include county fair history, names of fair officers, general fair rules and regulations, event schedules, exhibit lists, and photographs.

Records at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, Fair Office: 

Board Meeting Minutes [Fair], 2011-present (7 binders);

[Fair Board Minutes], 1947-1952 (1 binder); 1964-2011 (25 binders);

Josephine County Fair Guide, 2013-present (6 volumes);

Josephine County Fair Premium List [title varies], 1954-1956 (3 volumes); 1982-1983 (2 volumes); 1985-1991 (7 volumes); 1993-1996 (4 volumes); 1998-2002 (5 volumes); 2004-2012 (9 volumes); 2014-2015 (2 volumes).

Series reports the activities of county officials to the county court or board of county commissioners. Series may include reports by the treasurer, surveyor, clerk, roadmaster, assessor, sheriff, school superintendent, and county nurse or doctor. Reports summarize the activities of county officials and their staff as they perform their official duties. 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Financial Statements [includes clerk and treasurer reports], 1861-1918 (.35 cu.ft.); 

Josephine County Misc. Reports on Film [Annual Reports-Miscellaneous], 1957-1970 (1 reel of microfilm); 1981-2000 (1 reel of microfilm);

Josephine County Misc. Reports on Film [Clerk's Yearly Activity Report-Miscellaneous], 1977-1990 (1 reel of microfilm);

Josephine County Today [Quarterly Report of Governmental Activities], 1962-1966 (21 volumes); 

Road Viewers Reports [includes reports and field notes-title varies], vol. 1-3, 1872-1923 (3 volumes); 

Sheriff's Semi-annual Reports, 1917-1942, 1967-1969 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Treasurer Reports, 1969-1970 (1 reel of microfilm); 1975-1980 (3 reels of microfilm); 1987 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Josephine County Documents [Report of School Superintendent], 1867 (.05 cu.ft.). 

County Home Reports [of Superintendent of County Home], 1914-1939 (.25 cu.ft.); 

County Records [Josephine County Today-Quarterly Report of Governmental Activities], 1962-1969 (1 cu.ft.).

Series documents the recording of deaths in the county. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes registration number; place and date of death; name, sex, color, birth date and place, age, and marital status of the deceased; names and birthplaces of parents; primary and contributory cause of death; physician, registrar, and informant signatures; filing date; and date and place of burial. Death records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register deaths. County death records have been inventoried through 1920. Access to death records is restricted for 50 years following the date of death by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096. Contact the Oregon State Archives for access to state death certificates that are more than 50 years old. Contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics​ for access to more recent death certificates. 

Records at the Oregon Public Health Division, Center for Health Statistics Office:

Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1925 (1 volume);

Record of Death, 1906-1915 (1 volume).

Series documents the ownership of land. Series includes deeds, land sales contracts, quit claim deeds, homestead exemption claims, corporate certificates, agreements, correction deeds, special assessments of unzoned farmland, easements, and indirect and direct deed indexes. Information includes grantor and grantee name; recording and filing dates; property descriptions; title warranties; consideration amounts; witness and recorder names; and volume and page numbers of where recorded.

Since 1980 deeds have been recorded in the clerk's Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Deed and Mortgage Record, vol. 1, 1857-1859 (1 volume);

[Deed Index], n.d. (4 volumes);

Deed Record [Jackson County Transcripts-with index], vol. 5J, 1859-1885 (1 volume); 

Deed Record, vol. 2-168, 1858-1953 (167 volumes); 

Deeds and Agreements Belonging to Josephine County [title varies], ca.1925-1991 (3.35 cu.ft.);

Deeds of Conveyance [Record], 1866-1885 (1 volume);

Index Inverted and Direct Deeds, vol. C, n.d. (2 volumes).

Deed Index Direct and Indirect, vol. 1-13, 1857-1977 (22 reels of microfilm); 

Deed Record, vol. 1-342, 1857-1980 (251 reels of microfilm);

Old Deed Records [Deed Record-title varies], vol. 51-342, 1920-1980 (222 reels of microfilm); 

Index to Deeds Direct and Indirect, vol. 1-3, 1857-1906 (3 volumes);

Index to Deeds Direct, vol. 4-15, 1906-1981 (24 volumes);

Index to Deeds Indirect, vol. 4-15, 1906-1981 (24 volumes); 

Mortgage Records [Deed and Mortgage-Record], vol. 1, 1857-1859 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Volumes [Deeds], vol. 1-342, 1857-1980 (224 reels of microfilm).

Deeds and Mortgages, 1855-1898 (.50 cu.ft.). 

Deeds [trifolded], ca.1892-ca.1896 (.30 cu.ft.).

Series documents birth records generated by a court in response to a petition. Records may include petitions, decrees or orders, affidavits of correction, registers, and certificates. If the information provided with the petition met the requirements of the court, a decree was issued that served as a legal birth document. Most petitions were filed decades after the actual birth. They were filed in the county of residence at the time of petition, not necessarily in the county of birth. Dates listed in brackets document the range of actual birth dates. Date ranges for court actions such as petitions and decrees are also included. Also see Birth Records series for related records. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096.

Circuit Court Birth Petitions and Decrees [includes births from ca.1876-ca.1922], no. 1-502, 1941-1955 (1 cu.ft.).

Series documents the registration of voters and the compilation of election results. Records may include the election poll books and/or the election voter register. Information includes elector's name and party affiliation, and in some cases, physical description, occupation, naturalization information, and names of parents and spouse. Election poll books and voter registration records have been inventoried through 1930. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official. 

File Book No. 1 Blanks B Oregon Registration [Voter], 1900 (1 volume);

Official Register of Electors [Lucky Queen Precinct-unbound], 1900 (1 volume).  

[Cancelled Registration Cards-Voter], 1914-1950 (2 reels of microfilm); 

General Register [of Electors], 1902 (1 volume); 1914 (1 volume);

Official Register of Electors, 1900 (1 volume); 1904 (1 volume); 1906 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume);

Official Register [of Electors], 1912 (1 volume). 

Poll Book, 1912, 1916 (3 volumes).

Series documents the tabulation and reporting of election results for the county. Records include voting abstracts and the record of election. Information includes election date; precinct name and number; office; precinct and total votes; victory margin; winning candidate; county clerk, board of canvasser, and justice of the peace signatures; ballot number; summation of votes; and election board's decision. Election voting abstracts have been inventoried through 1960. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official. 

Elections Miscellaneous [Abstract of Vote], 1866 (.05 cu.ft.).

Record of Elections, vol. 1-5, 1908-1960 (5 volumes). 

Josephine County Documents [Abstracts of Votes], 1866, 1872-1878, 1884-1890, 1896-1898 (.15 cu.ft.).

Series documents the application for and registration of farm names with the county clerk or recorder. Records may include registers, original applications, or certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; farm name, location, and description; and date and number of application and final application. Series may also include an index arranged either alphabetically by name of owner or by farm name. Farm name records have been inventoried through 1964. 

Register of Farm Names, vol. 1, 1911-1963 (1 volume).

Farm Name [Registration Records-trifolded], 1913-1964 (.10 cu.ft.).

1850-1998

Series records ownership of county lands obtained from the federal government. Series includes records of land grants administered under federal programs such as donation land claims and homesteads. Donation land claims are the most common type of federal land grant in Oregon that is documented in this inventory project. Donation land claims resulted from an act of the 1850 Congress under which citizens of the United States, or those who filed a declaration of intention prior to December 1, 1850 and had resided upon or cultivated the land for four consecutive years, were granted a specified amount of acreage in the Oregon Territory. Donation land claims were unique in that acreage granted to married couples was divided evenly. Half of the acreage was placed in the husband's name while the other half was placed in the wife's name. Records include plats, indexes, and survey notes. Information includes township, range, and section numbers, names of donation land claim holders and claim numbers, claim dates, acreage, and descriptions of surveys.

Under the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers were given 160 acres of land in the public domain if they built a home on the land, resided there for five years, and cultivated the land. A complete homestead entry file includes such documents as the homestead application, homestead proof, and final certificate authorizing the claimant to obtain a land patent.

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office Public Research Room:

DLC Field Notes [Donation Land Claim-typed copies-with index], 1855-1858 (1 volume);

Homestead Entries Surveys [Field Notes], 1909-1923 (1 volume);

[Original BLM/GLO Survey Records-includes corner restoration and donation land claim survey information-Bureau of Land Management/General Land Office-paper copy of microfiche records], ca.1856-ca.1996 (16 volumes).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office Records Storage Vault:

BLM Microfiche [Original BLM/GLO Survey Records-includes corner restoration and donation land claim survey information-Bureau of Land Management/General Land Office], ca.1856-1998 (5 inches of microfiche);

[Survey Index Cards-includes homestead, subdivision, and mineral survey references-alphabetical], ca.1924-1991 (3 cu.ft.);

[Survey Index Cards-includes homestead, subdivision, and mineral survey references-township and range-in gray cabinet], ca.1924-1991 (12 cu.ft.).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Deed Record [U.S. Land Patents], vol. 28, 1905-1917 (1 volume);

Government Location Plats and Donation Land Claims for Josephine County, ca.1850-1936 (2 reels of microfilm);

Patents and U.S. Receiver's Receipts [Land], 1884-1931 (.20 cu.ft.).

Records at a Related Web Site:

Search Land Patents [includes patent and legal land descriptions and some document images], ca.1864-ca.1957 (BLM GLO website​).

1859-1926 

Series documents the activities of the sheriff and other county officials relating to the foreclosure of property in order to satisfy creditors in cases involving delinquent taxes, mortgage payments, or court judgments. Records include correspondence, sheriff's deeds and foreclosure sale records, circuit court case transcripts of foreclosure hearings, writs of execution, certificates of sale of real property, judgment orders, receipts, tax redemption records, delinquent tax sales, and tax sale certificates. Foreclosure records have been inventoried through 1920. 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

[Certificate of Sale for Taxes], 1902-1904 (1 volume); 

County Tax Foreclosure Deeds, 1895-1920 (.15 cu.ft.);

Old Old Records [Miscellaneous Records-includes certificate of tax sale, teacher's report, road supervisor's report, justice court docket sheets, circuit court papers, and various other documents], ca.1859-ca.1913 (1 cu.ft.);

Record of Sales of Real Property, vol. 1, 1897-1905 (1 volume); 

Return of Sale Tax Foreclosure, 1920 (.35 cu.ft.); 

[Sheriff's Certificate of Redemption or Assignment from County Delinquency Sale], 1914-1926 (1 volume); 

Tax Sale Certificates and Affidavits, 1893-1898 (.35 cu.ft.).

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Tax Collector's Office: 

Foreclosures [Tax-Records], 1915-1920 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Off-Site Storage: 

Record of Certificate of Delinquency, 1915 (1 volume).

Series documents the examination, commitment, and release of mentally ill persons to and from the state's mental institutions. Series contains statements of complaint and commitment recorded by the county clerk or recorder and includes petitions to have an individual committed; physicians certification that an individual is insane; delivery warrants authorizing a county official (usually the sheriff) to take the individual to the state hospital; patient discharges; paroles or transfers; indexes; and correspondence. Information includes patient and family names, date committed, reason, physical description, and a brief family history. This series may also be known as the Insane Record, Mental Illness Record, and Mentally Ill and Feeble Minded Record. By 1968, in most counties, the commitment of the mentally ill or deficient had become the responsibility of the circuit court. Access to these records may be restricted.

The Josephine County circuit court joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1987 and joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013.​ Mental commitment case files created since 1981 are maintained electronically. 

Insane Commitments [Records-alphabetical], 1874-1922 (.65 cu.ft.);​

Record of Insane [with index], vol. 1-4, 1898-1940 (4 volumes).

Estates and Guardianships [Numerical Card File-includes mental commitments], 1939-1970 (.40 cu.ft.);

Mental Health Commitments [Case Files], 1923-1959 (6 reels of microfilm); 

Record County Court Journal [includes some naturalization and insane commitment actions], vol. 1, 1859-1899 (1 volume). 

Mental [Commitment Case Files-title varies], 1960-1980 (5 cu.ft.);

Record of Insane [with index], vol. 5-6, 1940-1975 (2 volumes); 

Record of Mentally Diseased [with index], vol. 7, 1976-1984 (1 volume).

Series records official decisions by the court and subsequent instructions to the sheriff to recover costs and awards related to debt, divorce, and other civil cases. The record serves as the official notice of the existence of a lien. Information includes title and case number; names of plaintiff, creditor, defendant, debtor, and attorney; amount of judgment; description of property levied on; writ of execution; disposition of case; decisions on appeals; dates docketed and satisfied; and volume and page numbers where recorded. Records may include judgment dockets, execution dockets, and fee books. Judgment and execution records have been inventoried through 1920.

Case Record [Sheriff's Executions], 1912-1915, 1918-1920 (2 volumes);

Judgment Lien Docket [with index], 1857-1861 (1 volume).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 

Judgment Lien Docket, vol. 2, 1893-1922 (1 volume).

Josephine County Documents [Execution of Judgment], 1858 (.05 cu.ft.).

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before the courts of the justices of the peace. Records include grand jury indictments, complaints, judgments by confession, transcripts of judgment entries and dockets, statements of witnesses, arrest warrants, subpoenas, bills for court costs and fees, petitions for appointment of justices of the peace and constables, petitions establishing justice districts, and marriage records. Cases heard include disturbing the peace, illegal liquor sales, assault, larceny, trespassing, fraud, vagrancy, and burglary. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court. 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Transcripts from Justice Court [Old and New], 1877-1911 (1 cu.ft.);

Transcripts from Justice Court to Appear in Circuit Court, 1909-1914 (.35 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Library: 

[Justice Court Case Files-Merlin District], 1935 (.05 cu.ft.).

1854-[ongoing] 

Series documents the subdividing and partitioning of land within the county. Records include survey notes, correspondence, photographs, satisfaction of agreements, maps of subdivided and partitioned land, and contracts and permits. Information includes subdivision names; lot, street, and alley dimensions; and township, range, and section numbers of land to be subdivided or partitioned. 

A small number of subdivision plats dating back to 1858 are included in older deed records (Deeds and Indexes) 

[Cemetery Subdivision Register of Plats-Granite Hill Cemetery-with index], 1900-1903 (1 volume); 

Minor Land Partitions [includes plat copies, descriptions, and registration information], 1978-1991 (12 volumes); 

[Miscellaneous Maps-includes subdivision, cemetery, townsites, Rogue River-rolled-in cabinet], ca.1901-n.d. (ca. 25 maps); 

Original Survey Notes [includes subdivisions], 1854-ca.1905 (2 reels of microfilm);

Partition Plats [with index], 1991-2004 (ca.1200 plats); 

Subdivisions [Plats-includes condominiums-with index], ca.1883-present (ca.1750 plats). 

Index Book 1 Plats Mylar Reproductions [Subdivision], 1889-1972 (1 volume);

Index Subdivision Plats on Microfilm, ca.1980-n.d. (1 volume); 

Master Index to Plats, 1883-present (1 volume); 

Plat Cabinet G [Partition Plats], 2004-present (ca.650 plats); 

Tracings Index [Subdivision], ca.1911-present (1 volume). 

Partition Plats [public use copies], 1990-present (18 cu.ft.);

Subdivisions [Plats-public use copies], 1858-present (24 cu.ft.);

Subdivisions [Summary List/Index], ca.1883-present (1 binder).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office Records Storage Vault: 

Hand Drawings of Original Subs and Additions [Subdivisions], n.d. (1 volume);

Partitions [Plats], 1990-present (ca.1650 plats);

[Subdivision Alphabetical Index], ca.1925-ca.1958 (2 binders);

Sub Mylars [Subdivision Plats-in drawer], ca.1858-present (ca.1750 plats); 

[Survey Index Cards-includes homestead, subdivision, and mineral survey references-alphabetical], ca.1924-1991 (3 cu.ft.);

[Survey Index Cards-includes homestead, subdivision, and mineral survey references-township and range-in gray cabinet], ca.1924-1991 (12 cu.ft.). 

[Property Files-Legal Land Use Action Case Files-includes information related to the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances, subdivisions, partitions, and other planning actions-also includes planning commission minutes], ca.1958-present (maintained electronically on Laserfiche);

Sub [Subdivision Ordinance Amendments], 1978-1991 (2 binders).

Records at the Josephine County Public Works Department Engineering Office: 

[Engineering Case Files-Public Works-includes actions related to roads, subdivisions and partitions], ca.1990-present (50 cu.ft.);

Partition Plat [copies], 1990-2015 (12 cu.ft.); 

Subdivision Plat [copies-in map drawers], ca.1858-ca.2015 (10 cu.ft.). 

[Land Ownership and Subdivision Plats], ca.1920-ca.1960 (ca.300 maps);

Town Plats, ca.1930 (ca.20 maps).

Ordinances​​ [Josephine County - comprehensive plan, zoning, and land division information], 1981-present;

Rural Land Development ​Code​​ [enter "rural land" in search]

1857-1968 

Series records the ownership of land within the county. Records may include title registers, land indexes, land registration registers, torrens registry of titles, indexes to registered land, certificates of title, town lot indexes, ownership registers, and plat books. Information includes parties involved, land descriptions, dates, number and nature of titles, subdivisions, title holders, terms, discharge dates, and registrar's signatures. The torrens system of land registration was ended in 1972 by Oregon law. 

Certificate of Title Torrens, 1913-1960 (.75 cu.ft.);

Chicago Land Company [Land Registration Record], 1927-1949 (1 volume); 

Index of Registered Owners, vol. 1, 1908-n.d. (1 volume);

Jas. J. McFadden [Land Ownership Plat Book], n.d. (2 volumes);

Land Registration Docket, vol. 1, 1908-1916 (1 volume);

Present Owner Book, ca.1857-1946 (3 volumes); 

Present Owner [Town Lots and Acreage], vol. 1-6, ca.1864-ca.1929 (6 volumes); 

Record of Instruments and Papers Received & Filed Affecting Registered Lands, vol. 1, 1908-1913 (1 volume); 

Register of Title, 1908-1950 (.30 cu.ft.); 

Register of Titles Index Temporary But Complete [in reused voter registration book], n.d. (1 volume);

Register of Titles, vol. 1-2, 1908-1968 (2 volumes); 

Torrens [Index to Register of Title], 1908-1968 (1 binder);

Town Lots, ca.1857-1946 (2 volumes);

Tract Index of Registered Land [unbound], n.d. (1 volume). 

[Land Ownership Plat Book-large], n.d. (1 volume). 

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Library: 

[Land Ownership and Subdivision Plats], ca.1920-ca.1960 (ca.300 maps).

Records at the Josephine County Website:

GIS Miscell​aneous Online Maps​​ [districts, precincts, open range, crime, fire, flood hazard, and parks], n.d.-present;

Property D​ata Search ​[Assessment and Tax Database-includes assessor's maps], n.d.-present.

Tax Assessment GIS Maps​ [select county], n.d.-present.

Series documents the registration of marks and brands by livestock owners and logging interests in order to clearly establish ownership. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; diagram of animal showing location and style of mark and brand; written description of mark and brand; and filing date. Types of livestock registered include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Log brands are also documented. 

[Marks and Brands Record-Cattle], 1928-1930 (1 volume); 

Marks [Certificate of Registration of Marks and Brands], 1933-1949 (1 volume); 

Stock Brand and Mark Record, vol. 1, 1886-1914 (1 volume).

Series documents the recording of marriages by the county and includes applications, marriage certificates and licenses, and indexes to marriage records. Information includes the names and residences of bride and groom; justice of the peace, minister, or name of individual officiating; fees charged; date filed; volume and page numbers where recorded; certificate number; date and place of marriage; and signatures of witnesses and county officials. Beginning in 1906 marriages have been officially registered with the state of Oregon. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Marriage records have been inventoried through 1960.

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Applications for Marriage Licenses, 1933-1960 (2.50 cu.ft.); 

Ledger Record of Marriage Certificates [with index], vol. 2, 1857-1888 (1 volume);

Marriage Certificates, 1857-1960 (4.50 cu.ft.);

Marriage Record [with index], vol. 4-21, 1894-1961 (18 volumes);

Marriage Returns [title varies], 1911-1953 (73 volumes); 

Record [Marriage-with index], vol. 3, 1888-1894 (1 volume).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:

Index to Marriages, vol. 1-2, 1917-1971 (2 volumes);

Series documents property held by women independently and separately from their husbands. Registration of property usually is in relation to a marriage or divorce settlement. Information includes a description of property (land, livestock, and farm and household goods) to be considered separate and declarations stating that the woman in question is not responsible for her husband's debts. 

Records [Married Women's Separate Property Register-with index], 1859-1895 (1 volume).

Series documents the registration of individuals in compliance with the requirements of relevant Oregon boards of examiners to practice a medical profession in the state. Professions registered include physicians, surgeons, osteopaths, naturopaths, dentists, nurses, druggists, chiropractors, chiropodists, optometrists, and veterinarians. Records include registers, certificates, and licenses. Information includes name of registrant; name of school; graduation date; names of members of the examining board; licensing and recording dates; and licensing or registration numbers. 

Dentist Record [with index], vol. 1, 1910-1935 (1 volume); 

Physicians and Surgeons Record [includes nurses, chiropractors, and naturopaths], vol. 1, 1889-1940 (1 volume);

Physicians and Surgeons Register [includes nurses, chiropractors, dentists, masseurs, optometrists, hearing aid fitters, and naturopaths], vol. 1, 1889-1976 (1 volume); 

Record of Optometry [with index], vol. 1, 1906-1962 (1 volume). 

Physicians Surgeons & Nurses Record [includes dentists, chiropractors, naturopaths, and optometrists], 1940-1979 (1 volume).

Series lists those eligible for military service and records the discharge dates of those who served in the military. Series includes eligibility, enlistment, discharge registers, or muster rolls, and may include alphabetical indexes. Information includes name of individual serving or eligible for service; enlistment and discharge dates and codes; residences at birth and enlistment; occupations and ages at time of enlistment; branches of service; precinct numbers; service records including commendations; physical condition, education and types of jobs performed while in service; and rank at discharge. Access to military discharge records may be restricted for 75 years by 2009 Oregon Legislative Assembly SB 618. 

Online Land Records [includes various federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management​).

1855-1981 

Series documents the written interest in land providing security for the performance of a duty or payment of a debt. Records include mortgages; trustee's deeds of reconveyance; indexes, both by mortgagor and mortgagee name; and satisfactions. Information includes mortgagor and mortgagee names, property descriptions, mortgage terms, witness names, certifications, recording and satisfaction dates, volume and page numbers where recorded, and recorder's signature. Series also includes executor/executrix information when mortgages were transferred through wills and mortgages of land to individuals under the provisions of the Donation Land Act of 1850. 

Since 1980 mortgages have been recorded in the clerk's Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Abstract of Unsatisfied Instruments of Writing, 1892-1893 (1 volume); 

Abstracts [Mortgage], 1881-1889 (1 volume); 

Deed and Mortgage Record, vol. 1, 1857-1859 (1 volume); 

Direct and Indirect Index to Mortgages [title varies], vol. 1-2, 1889-1918 (2 volumes); vol. 6, n.d. (2 volumes);

Index Direct and Inverted Mortgages, vol. 2, n.d. (2 volumes); 

Index Inverted Mortgages, vol. 3, n.d. (1 volume); 

[Mortgage Index-Direct], vol. 3, n.d. (1 volume);

Mortgages J1 [Record-Jackson County], 1879-1885 (1 volume);

Mortgages [Record-title varies], vol. 3-12, 1865-1907 (10 volumes);

Record [Mortgage], vol. 2, 1859-1865 (1 volume). 

Index to Mortgages Direct, vol. 3-11, 1919-1981 (14 volumes); 

Index to Mortgages Indirect, vol. 3-11, 1919-1981 (14 volumes); 

Mortgage Records, vol. 1-232, 1857-1980 (232 reels of microfilm). 

Deeds and Mortgages, 1855-1898 (.50 cu.ft.);

Delinquent List of Mortgages, 1892 (1 volume).

Series documents the granting of United States citizenship to petitioners. Records include applications, witness affidavits, court findings granting or denying citizenship, certificates, and indexes. Declarations of intention may also be included. Information includes name, age, and residence of applicant; applicant's dependents; date of filing of declarations of intention and petitions; and volume and page numbers where papers are recorded.

Naturalization Certificates [Stubs], 1907-1936 (.20 cu.ft.).

Series documents the process taken by applicants for United States citizenship in declaring their intention to become United States citizens. Information may include applicant's name, age, physical description, place and date of birth, method of immigration, date and port of entry, names and ages of wife and children, and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments. Declarations of intention may also be attached to naturalization petitions or naturalization certificates. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

[Declaration of Intention Record-with index], 1930-1932 (1 volume); 1941-1966 (1 volume); 

Declarations of Intention [Record-with index], vol. 1, 1897-1906 (1 volume); 

Naturalization Declaration of Intention, 1846-1912 (.50 cu.ft.); 

Record of Declaration of Intention, 1906-1929 (2 volumes);

Search for 1854-1970 Josephine County naturalizations in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Series documents the application for United States citizenship by aliens. Information includes name, residence, and occupation of applicants; place and date of birth; emigration place, date, and vessel; declaration of intention dates; name, birthplace, and birth date of dependents; and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments. Accompanying the petitions are witness and petitioner affidavits, oaths of allegiance, court orders admitting or denying citizenship, declarations of intention, depositions, and certificates of arrival. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Naturalization Index [Cards], 1930-1969 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Naturalization Index [Ledger Sheets], 1860-1970 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Naturalization Orders, 1942-1970 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Naturalization Petitions, 1921-1969 (.50 cu.ft.);

Petition and Record [Naturalization], 1907-1932 (1 volume); 1916-1929 (1 volume); 

Record of Naturalization, 1903-1906 (1 volume); 

Search for 1854-1970 Josephine County naturalizations in Oregon Historical Records Index​. 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Naturalization [Correspondence and Petition Reports], 1943-1953 (.25 cu.ft.);

Record County Court Journal [includes some naturalization and insane commitment actions], vol. 1, 1859-1899 (1 volume).

Series documents financial assistance approved by the county court for widows, mothers, dependent children, orphans, the elderly, and indigents. Information includes applicant name and address, children's names and birth dates, amount of pension or monthly support payment, and county court order. Because the provision of relief became primarily a state and federal function in the 1930s, records are inventoried through 1939. 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Josephine County Public Welfare Commission Verification of Claims Against Estates [Old Age Pension], 1939-1941 (.10 cu.ft.);

Widows Pensions [Records], 1913-1931 (.10 cu.ft.). 

County Home Reports [of Superintendent of County Home], 1914-1939 (.25 cu.ft.).

Series documents the discussions and activities of the county planning commission as recorded in the minutes and agendas. Topics discussed include the creation, amendment, and appeal of zoning ordinances and county land use laws; county comprehensive plans; and election or appointment of planning commission members. 

Records at the Josephine County Planning Office: 

[Property Files-Legal Land Use Action Case Files-includes information related to the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances, subdivisions, partitions, and other planning actions-also includes planning commission minutes], ca.1958-present (maintained electronically on Laserfiche).

​

Series tracks individuals incarcerated in the county jail. Information includes prisoner identification number; date entered; name, address, age, birth date, height and weight, eye and hair color, and nationality of prisoner; arrest date; arresting officer; crime committed; sentence; bail; court; release date; and remarks. Prisoner registers, which may also be referred to as jail lists, have been inventoried through 1965. Access to portions of these records may be restricted for 25 years after termination of custody by Oregon Revised Statute 192.496(A).

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Off-Site Storage: 

[Jail Register], vol. 1, 1892-1940 (1 volume); 

Jail Register [with index], vol. 2-3, 1940-1966 (2 volumes).

Series documents actions taken on probate cases brought before the county, district, or circuit court for settlement. Records include wills, receipts, claims, vouchers, petitions to sell, notices of annual accounting, final estate accounting reports, appraiser's affidavits, bills of sale, inventories, fee bills, appraisals, administrator and appointment certificates, and appraiser oaths. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. Portions of these records may be restricted. 

Josephine County never created Probate Case Files no. 2100-2999. The Josephine County circuit court joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1987 and joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013.​ Closed probate case files since 2013 are maintained electronically. ​

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Probate Case Files, A-Z, no. 100-2099, 1848-1944 (35 cu.ft.); 

Probate Case Index, 1848-1944 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Search for 1848-1944 Josephine County probate case files in Oregon Historical Records Index. ​

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Estates and Guardianships [Numerical Card File-includes mental commitments], 1939-1970 (.40 cu.ft.); 

Probate Files Completed [Closed Case Files], no. 3000-5221, 1944-1964 (58 reels of microfilm). 

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court Room 218: 

Probate [Case Files], no. 3000-7155, 77.1.P-85.109.P, 1944-1985 (98 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court 3rd Floor Records Storage Room: 

Probate [Card Index], 1985-1987 (.25 cu.ft.); 

[Probate Case Files], 1983-2012 (265 cu.ft.);

Probate Index [indexes case files and dockets], 1856-1984 (1 volume).

Series documents information recorded about estates probated in the county or circuit courts. Information includes deceased party's name; recording and death dates; residence; name and address of executors, administrators, or trustees; estimated values of real and personal property; inventory and appraisal dates; the estate's value according to the appraisals and to the county court; and the names and relationship of heirs. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Record of Estates, 1863-1912 (3 volumes).

1856-1988

Series records the actions taken by the county's probate court. Information includes case numbers, estate or deceased's name, administrator's or executor's name, dates and types of papers filed, and memoranda and court orders listed by dates of appointment of administrator or executor. Series may also be referred to as probate journals, dockets, or records of actions. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. In 1986 circuit courts with probate jurisdiction began recording basic case information on the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN). This network functionally replaced probate dockets and journals previously maintained by the courts. The transition to full use of OJIN by all circuit courts in Oregon took approximately two years. Contact the trial court administrator for access to OJIN. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Josephine County joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1987.

Index to Probate Register, vol. 1, 1892-1981 (1 volume);

Journal of Probate Court, 1856-1870 (1 volume);

Probate Journal, vol. 3-9, 1888-1946 (7 volumes);

[Probate Register], 1892-1981 (1 volume).

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

County Court Docket [Probate], 1862-1877 (1 volume);

County Court Journal [Probate-with index], vol. 2, 1870-1888 (1 volume);

Probate Journal, vol. 10-14, 1946-1953 (5 volumes);

Probate [Journal], vol. 15-35, 1953-1969 (21 reels of microfilm);

Probate Register and Fee Book [with index], vol. 1, 1893-1898 (1 volume);

Record of Accounting and Distribution [Probate Journal-with index], vol. 1-11, 1909-1949 (11 volumes).

Records at the Josephine County Justice Building, Trial Court 3rd Floor Records Storage Room:

Completed Docket Sheets Probate [Register of Actions], 1985-1987 (3 binders);

Completed Probate [Register], 1981-1984 (2 volumes);

Probate [Card Index], 1985-1987 (.25 cu.ft.);

Probate Docket, 1961-1987 (3 volumes);

Probate Index [indexes case files and dockets], 1856-1984 (1 volume);

Probate Register, vol. 2-3, 1945-1988 (2 volumes).

Probate Journals, vol. 15-45, 1953-ca.1982 (30 reels of microfilm).

1859-1940 

Series reports the general and financial statistics of each school district located in the county. Information includes school district number and clerk's name; number of individuals within the district between ages 4 and 20​; number of teachers employed; number of school houses (owned by the district); number of legal voters; number of libraries and books within each; number of private schools; cash on hand at last report; district tax received from county; state schools funds received; general value of school grounds and furnishings; property values; enrollment; number of students enrolled from outlying districts; school census; and board minutes. Series may also contain school attendance and grade reports and data on students and parents. Records may be titled School District Clerk Annual Report, District Clerk's Book of Records, District Clerk Record Book, or Oregon School Register and Record Book, which is the most comprehensive record of school district activities. School district records have been inventoried through 1965. Access to student records may be restricted by state or federal law.

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Old Old Records [Miscellaneous Records-includes certificate of tax sale, teacher's report, road supervisor's report, justice court docket sheets, circuit court papers, and various other documents], ca.1859-ca.1913 (1 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Library: 

Clerk's Annual Census Report, 1902, 1904 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Clerk's Annual Census Report District No. 1 [Selma], 1926-1930 (.10 cu.ft.);

Josephine County Documents [Clerk's Annual Census Report District No. 28], 1892 (.05 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book, 1901-1903 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Oregon School Register and Record Book District No. 1 [Selma], 1914-1923 (.20 cu.ft.); 

Oregon School Register and Record Book District No. 14, 1921-1933 (.40 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 20], 1900-1901 (1 volume); 1905-1909 (1 volume); 1913-1919 (1 volume); 1919-1924 (1 volume); 1924-1933 (1 volume); 1933-1939 (1 volume); 1939-1940 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 32], 1921-1925 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 50], 1922-1935 (1 volume); 1935-1939 (1 volume); 1939-1940 (1 volume);

Teacher's Annual Report, 1916-1929 (.70 cu.ft.); 

Teacher's Report of Public School, 1891 (.05 cu.ft.).

Series documents the official and financial affairs of the superintendent of schools concerning teachers, students, and schools located in the county. Records include annual statements on the condition of common (public) schools in the county, school district boundary records, school district accounts, and book purchases. Information includes financial information, school curricula, boundary descriptions, and enrollment and attendance data. Superintendent of schools records have been inventoried through 1965. 

Records at the Josephine County Historical Society Library:

Dist. Boundaries Recorded [School District], n.d. (.05 cu.ft.); 

Josephine County Documents [Report of School Superintendent], 1867 (.05 cu.ft.);

Teachers of Josephine County [Listing], 1915-1920 (.05 cu.ft.).

Online Land Records [includes federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management​).

​1964-[ongoing] 

Tax lot cards, which contain official descriptions of real property, are used to track land ownership and lot size and also may serve as a deed reference. Records include tax lot number; the location of the land in reference to township, range, and section; and a description and record of changes to the property, acreage, and land owner. 

The online Josephine County Property Data Map​ GIS database includes a variety of basemap and layer information such as aerial photo, topographic, tax lot, city limits, comprehensive plan, zoning, roads, districts, soils, and much more.

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Assessor's Office: 

Tax Lot Cards [Official Record of Descriptions of Real Property], 1964-present (maintained electronically on Laserfiche).

Series documents the authorization by the state and local governments for the use of public waters. Series includes water rights, licenses, and certificates of water rights issued by the state and filed with the county. Records may include alphabetical indexes to the certificates, transcripts, statements, evidence, and other records specifically related to water rights cases heard by circuit and appellate courts. Information includes names of individuals proving water rights; locations of water rights including the township, range, and section number; descriptions of land under such rights; and limitations of appropriations of rights and use of rights (i.e., length of time, usage). Original water rights certificates are filed with the Oregon Water Resources Department. 

Since 1980 water rights have been recorded in the clerk's Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Abstracts Furnished by Bartlett & Kuykendall [Mining and Water Rights], 1898-1904 (1 volume);

Adjudication Survey of Illinois River [with index], 1927 (15 maps); 

Certificate of Water Right [Record], vol. 6, 1974-1980 (1 reel of microfilm);

Certificates of Water Rights Record, vol. 4, 1954-1967 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Decrees Water Rights of Rogue River, Williams Creek, and Illinois River [Findings of Fact, Order of Determination, Petition, and Transcript], 1916-1933 (.30 cu.ft.);

Decree Waters of the Rogue River and its Tributaries [Jackson County Circuit Court], 1937 (1 volume); 

Decree Waters of the Rogue River and its Tributaries [printed], 1919 (1 volume); 

Exhibits Maps In Re Water Rights of Sucker Creek, 1915 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Findings and Order of Determination for Illinois River, 1932 (1 volume);

Findings of Fact and Orders of Determination for Althouse Creek, 1912 (1 volume);

Findings of Fact and Orders of Determination for the Rogue River [with index], 1916 (1 volume);

Findings of Fact and Orders of Determination Sucker Creek, 1912 (.05 cu.ft.); 

Index to Mining Claims and Water Rights Copied from Jackson County Records, n.d. (1 volume); 

In the Matter of Determination Sucker Creek [Water Rights], 1912 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Mining Record [Jackson County Transcripts-includes water rights-with index], vol. 2J, 1872-1885 (1 volume); 

Modified Findings and Decree for the Illinois River, 1939 (1 volume); 

[Order and Supplemental Findings for Williams Creek], 1940 (1 volume);

Original Evidence and Transcript of Testimony for Illinois River [with index], 1930-1932 (3 volumes);

Proofs of Service for Althouse Creek [with index], 1909-1910 (1 volume); 

Transcript of Evidence in Re Althouse Creek Adjudication, 1912-1915 (1 volume);

Transcript of Evidence in Re Water of Rogue River and its Tributaries Decree, 1919 (1 volume); 

Transcript of Testimony [Democratic Gulch-with index], 1911 (1 volume); 

Transcript of Testimony for the Illinois River, 1932 (1 volume); 

Water Rights Certificates [and Cancellations-Rogue River Basin], ca.1949-ca.1974 (.35 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Josephine County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 

Index to Water Rights Certificates, vol. 1, 1914-1979 (1 volume);

Record of Water Right Certificates [with index], vol. 1-3, 1910-1953 (3 volumes); 

Water Right [Certificates], vol. 1-6, 1910-1980 (5 reels of microfilm);

Water Right [Evidence, Transcripts, Statements and Proofs, Memoranda Related to the Rogue, Illinois, Sucker Creek, and Other Rivers-copies of originals in clerk's vault], ca.1909-ca.1940 (6 reels of microfilm).