Malheur County Records Inventory

The following information is based on an August 2017 inventory.

Titles listed in this inventory are exactly as they appear on the outside of a volume, box, drawer, or other container. If the title is only in brackets [ ], the record has no external identifying information. Text inside the brackets includes either exact title information from the inside of the volume, box, etc. or a functional title.

1910-2016 

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 Malheur County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2016. Adoption records created since 2016 are maintained electronically. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Adoption Case Files [Circuit Court-includes petitions, reports, memoranda, decrees, and related records], no. 1-731, 1939-1985 (9 cu.ft.); 
Adoption Case Files [County Court-includes petitions, orders, correspondence, and related records], 1923-1993 (.20 cu.ft.); 
Adoption Record [Register], vol. 1-2, 1939-1969 (2 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room:
[Adoption Case Files], 1985-2014 (10 cu.ft.); 
Adoptions [Register], 1987-1988 (1 binder). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Office: 
[Adoption Case Files], 2014-2016 (.30 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
County Court Journal Civil Proceedings [includes a small number of adoption cases], vol. C, 1910-1951 (1 volume).
​​1909-[ongoing]

Series provides visual documentation of changes made to county lands through development and by natural and man-made disasters. The photographs are taken at intervals along a series of flight paths to attain coverage of all or part of a county. They generally include flight path or township, range, and section numbers; show natural and man-made features; and are produced in black and white or color prints to varying scales. An index by quadrant may also be included.

The University of Oregon Aerial Photograph Collection includes aerial photographs from most Oregon counties. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
[Aerial Photos-with index], 1978 (401 photographs).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area:
[Aerial Photographs], 1954 (ca.500 photographs); 1961 (ca.350 photographs); 1976 (ca.100 photographs); n.d. (ca.100 photographs).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Malheur Area Maps [includes aerial photographic maps], ca.1963-ca.1973 (ca.30 maps).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Lobby Wall:
Vale Oregon [Aerial Photograph-angled panorama view], 1913 (1 photograph).

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum:
Vale [Aerial Photograph-angled panorama view-possibly taken from a balloon], 1909 (1 photograph).

Records at the Malheur County Website:
Malheur County Map Online [GIS Map-on aerial photograph base-includes links to assessment information], n.d.-present.
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. 

No separate county generated animal bounty records were located in the inventory. However, animal scalp bounty warrant information, including name, number and type of scalps, and amount of payment, is included in the commissioners journals and indexes for a number of years in the early 1900s. The scalps submitted for bounty include coyotes and other predatory animals as well as rabbits and other nuisance animals. See the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series.​
1949-[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." 

Assessment and tax information created prior to 1949 has been lost due to a flood at Vale in 1956. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area:
[Assessment Roll], 1982-1985 (28 volumes of computer printouts);
Assessment Roll [Continuing Cards], 1949-1981 (ca.90 cu.ft.); 
[Continuing Assessment Roll-copies], 1949-ca.1962 (83 binders); 
Malheur County Assessment [Roll-title varies], 1973-1980 (65 reels of microfilm);
Microfilm of Old Assessment Rolls, ca.1949-ca.1958 (13 reels of microfilm). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office: 
Assessment Roll, 1986-2015 (9 inches of microfiche). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Tax Collector's Basement Storage Room: 
Tax Roll [Continuing Roll Cards], 1949-1982 (74 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Tax Collector's Office: 
Tax Roll, 1987-2015 (12 inches of microfiche). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Summary Tax Rolls, 2005-present (.10 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Website: 
Malheur County Assessor's Title Search [includes assessment information], n.d.-present. ​
​​​​
1889-1976

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​

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Assumed Business Names [Index], vol. 1, 1964-1976 (1 volume); 
Record of Assumed Names [title varies-with index], vol. 1-2, 1955-1964 (2 volumes); 
Record of Incorporations [includes some assumed names], vol. 1-4, 1889-1955 (4 volumes).
1913-1924 

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.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room: 
Attachment Record [with index], vol. 2, 1913-1924 (1 volume).
​1907-1939 

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
B [Record of Births], 1907-1916 (1 volume); 
Record of Births and Deaths [documents births from 1916-1939 and deaths from 1916-1937], 1916-1939 (1 volume);

Records at the Oregon Historical Society: 
Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1925 (1 volume).
1900 

Series documents the population, property, and agricultural production of the county. Records may include census rolls and abstracts, farm schedules, abstract of assessment and census, enumeration of inhabitants and industrial products, and enumeration of inhabitants and military enrollment. Information includes number of males and females per age category; head of household; name, age, and gender of household members; occupation and relationship of household members to head of household; and description and value of real and personal property. Information may also include nationality, physical description, birthplace, health, and religion of household members and agricultural production statistics. 

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum: 
Malheur County, Oregon Census [photocopies-with index], 1900 (1 volume).
​1886-2015

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.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Change of Name [Circuit Court Case Files], 1963-1984 (.40 cu.ft.);
Circuit Court Case Files, 1919-1939, 1962 (.60 cu.ft.);
Circuit Court Criminal Case Files, 1919-1929 (.10 cu.ft.); no. 83.09.3330C, 1983 (.20 cu.ft.);
Civil Records [Circuit Court Case Files-includes law and equity cases-excludes divorce cases], no. 1-4190, 1886-1930 (66 cu.ft.);
Criminal Court [Circuit Court Case Files], no. 1-249, 1887-1930 (2.60 cu.ft.);
Divorces [Circuit Court Case Files], 1887-1930 (4.35 cu.ft.);
Index to Circuit Court Journal [also indexes case files], vol. A-B, 1887-1930 (2 volumes);
Malheur Circuit Court Records Civil [Case Files-includes law and equity cases], ca.1905-ca.1910 (3 cu.ft.);
Murder Case Files [Michael Olds], no. 2244C, 1977 (.35 cu.ft.);

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room:
[Circuit Court Case Files-Water Rights], ca.1931-2015 (6 cu.ft.);
Index to Circuit Court Journal [also indexes case files], vol. C-I , 1930-1984 (7 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Criminal Records Storage Room:
Scanned [Circuit Court Civil Case Files], no. 11437-12991, 1969-1973 (27 inches of aperture cards); no. 11750-14931, 1969-1978 (16 inches of microfilm jackets); no. 12511-14859, ca.1971-ca.1978 (24 reels of microfilm);
Scanned [Circuit Court Criminal Case Files], no. 1665-1924, 1969-1972 (10 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Office:
[Circuit Court Civil Case Files], no. 4191-19292, 1931-1983 (Imaged on the Odyssey electronic records system);
[Circuit Court Criminal Case Files], no. 250-3383, 1930-1983 (Imaged on the Odyssey electronic records system).
1887-1987

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: 
Circuit Court Register [with index], vol. 1-7, 1908-1925 (7 volumes); 
Register of Actions [with index], vol. A, 1887-1908 (1 volume). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Criminal Records Storage Room: 
Circuit Court Register Criminal [with index], 1956-1986 (7 volumes); 
[Circuit Court Register], vol. 8-39, 1925-1984 (9 reels of microfilm); 
Scanned [Circuit Court Register-with index], vol. 8-39, 1925-1984 (5 inches of microfilm jackets).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room: 
Circuit Court Register Criminal [with index], 1914-1957 (1 volume);
Trial Docket, vol. 5-16, 1939-1987 (12 volumes).
1887-1984 

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. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Circuit Court Journal, vol. A-U, 1887-1930 (21 volumes);
Index to Circuit Court Journal [also indexes case files], vol. A-B, 1887-1930 (2 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room: 
Circuit Court Journal, vol. V-Z, 27-69, 1931-1969 (48 volumes); 
Index to Circuit Court Journal [also indexes case files], vol. C-I , 1930-1984 (7 volumes).
1887-1969

Series documents the recording of a variety 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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Miscellaneous Record [with index], vol. 2-7, 1912-1969 (6 volumes);
Record Misc. [Clerk's Miscellaneous-with index], vol. 1, 1887-1912 (1 volume).
1969-[ongoing]

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 1969, deeds, mortgages, liens, mining claims, and discharges have been filmed together. The records are also available separately on aperture cards from 1969-1973. Before 1985 separate indexes were maintained. An electronic index for the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm beginning in 1985 and imaged documents beginning in 1985 are available on computers in the clerk's office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
[Clerk's Permanent Microfilm], 1982-present (9 feet of microfilm jackets);
Deeds, Mtg., and Misc. [Official Filings], no. 73.143275-83.118447, 1973-1983 (109 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Microfilm [Deeds, Mtg., and Misc.-Official Filings], 1969-1983 (115 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Malheur County Website:
Digital Research Room ​[includes recording information about deeds and other real estate documents], n.d.-present.
​​​​
1887-[ongoing] 

Series documents all administrative actions of the board of county commissioners and the county court. In most counties, the board of county commissioners has assumed the administrative duties and responsibilities of the county court. Administrative actions include levying taxes; budgeting; approving appropriations; appointing county officials; approving officials bonds and annual reports; receiving petitions and remonstrances concerning county roads; defining and establishing county roads; calling bond elections for the construction of county buildings; compiling jury lists and conducting hearings; approving salaries and expenses of county officials; confirming elections; and issuing licenses for such things as liquor, ferries, warehouses, and groceries. The series may be referred to as the County Court Administrative Journal, Commissioner's Minutes, County Court Docket, or Board of Commissioners Meeting Records. 

An electronic index and imaged documents for the Commissioners Journal beginning in 2000 are available on computers in the clerk's office. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 
Commissioners Journal Microfiche, 2000-2014 (1 inch of microfilm jackets);
Commissioners Journal [title varies], vol. A-Z, AA-DD, 1887-1999 (30 volumes);
Index to Commissioner's Record [title varies], vol. 1-9, 1887-1999 (9 volumes). 

Records at the Malheur County Web Site:
County Court Agendas and Minutes​ [Commissioners], 2016-present.
​​
​1965-[ongoing]
Series documents orders, ordinances, and resolutions passed by the board of county commissioners and the county court regulating and establishing guidelines for specific activities within the county. Information includes activity covered by order, ordinance, or resolution; administrative action number; who introduced; findings of fact; conclusions; recommendations; date heard; and hearings officer name and signature. Activities include noise abatement, nuisances, zoning, animal control, solid waste management, land division regulations, elections, comprehensive plan, and road and bridge use limits.

Before 1990 the orders, ordinances, and resolutions were part of the Commissioners Journal (County Commmissioners Administrative Journals). Since circa 1990 they have been included in the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). An electronic index and imaged documents for the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm beginning in 2000 are available on computers in the clerk's office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Orders, 1995-present (4 binders);
Ordinance [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], no. 159, 198, 202, 204, 207, 2006-2006 (5 binders);
Ordinances, 1995-present (4 binders);
Ordinances Orders Resolutions, 1961-1994 (1 cu.ft.);
Ordinance Urban Growth Boundary [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], 2006 (1 binder);
Resolutions, 1995-present (7 binders);
Planning & Zoning [Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance], 1983 (1 volume);
Planning & Zoning [Zoning Ordinances], 1970-1978 (.20 cu.ft.); 1983 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Malheur County Code No. 11 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1976 (1 binder);
Malheur County Code No. 13 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1981 (1 binder).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office:
[Order Amendments to Comp Plan, Zoning Ordinance-Comprehensive], 1984 (.10 cu.ft.);
[Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance], 2002 (1 volume);
[Subdivision Ordinance], 1989 (.05 cu.ft.);
[Zoning Ordinance], 1973 (1 volume); 1984 (.10 cu.ft.); ca.1993 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Website:
County Code [includes zoning and subdivision information], n.d.-present.
​1865-[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 Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office: 
Corner Forms [Corner Survey Record Forms], ca.1980-present (2.25 cu.ft.); 
Original Survey Notes and Corner Records [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management-includes mineral surveys], 1865-ca.1998 (7 inches of microfiche).
1928-1972 

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. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Coroner's Inquests, 1928-1972 (1.50 cu.ft.).
1963-[ongoing] 

Series documents the annual allotment of funds for county government operations as agreed to by the board of commissioners. Information includes total amount of funds budgeted for each office. Later budgets may include organizational charts and a narrative of each county office function. 

Older county budgets are included in the commissioners journals and indexes. See the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 
County Budgets, 1963-present (3 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Web Site: 
County Budget​ [scroll down], 2015-present.
​​
1970-[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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Ordinance [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], no. 159, 198, 202, 204, 207, 2006-2006 (5 binders); 
Ordinance Urban Growth Boundary [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], 2006 (1 binder); 
Planning & Zoning [Comprehensive Land Use Plan], 1973 (1 volume); 
Planning & Zoning [Comprehensive Plan], 1982-1984 (.25 cu.ft.); 
Zoning & Comprehensive Materials [Plan Maps-rolled], 1984 (ca.30 maps). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office:
[Comprehensive Land Use Plan], 1973 (1 volume); 1984 (1 volume);
[Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1995-present (18 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office Basement Storage Area: 
Comp. Plan Bkgrd. [Background-Comprehensive Plan Development Records], ca.1970-ca.1985 (6 cu.ft.);
Planning Dept. Files [Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1979-1995 (14 cu.ft.).
1900-1918

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. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Miscellaneous County Court Judicial Records, 1900-1915 (.20 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Justice Court Basement Storage Area:
County Court Miscellaneous [Judicial Documents], 1910-1918 (.10 cu.ft.).
1887-1980 

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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
County Court Index Civil [indexes civil proceedings-includes insane commitments until ca.1911], vol. A, 1887-1951 (1 volume); 
County Court Journal Civil Proceedings [includes insane commitments until ca.1911], vol. A-C, 1887-1951 (3 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room: 
County Court Register of Actions Civil Criminal Juvenile, 1919-1980 (1 volume).
1928-[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. 

County fair board minutes dating back to 1958 that were seen in previous inventories were not located in the 2017 inventory but may be in a storage room under the fair grandstands. Contact the fair manager for more information.

Records at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, Fair Office: 
[County Fair Board Minutes], 2015-present (2 binders); 
[Fair Guides/Premium Books-County Fair], 1928 (1 volume); 1931-1941 (11 volumes); 1946-1966 (21 volumes); 1968-1984 (17 volumes); 1986-1988 (3 volumes); 1990-1996 (7 volumes); 1998-2011 (14 volumes); 2013-present (5 volumes);
[Race Programs-County Fair], 1934 (.10 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Ontario Community Library, Basement File Cabinet: 
Fair Books [Premium], 1931-present (1 cu.ft.).
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. 

No separate county generated county official reports were located in the inventory. However, reports documenting the activities of the sheriff, tax collector, road viewers, and others are included in the commissioners journals and indexes for a number of years in the late 1800s and early 1900s. See the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series.​
​​1907-1939

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 State Archives:
Record D [Record of Deaths], 1907-1916 (1 volume);
Record of Births and Deaths [documents births from 1916-1939 and deaths from 1916-1937], 1916-1939 (1 volume).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:
Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1925 (1 volume).
1863-1985

Series documents the ownership of land. Series includes deeds, land sales contracts, quitclaim 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. 

From 1969 to 1983 deeds were microfilmed as part of the Deeds, Mtg., and Misc. records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). They were also maintained separately from 1969-1973 on aperture cards. Since 1983 deeds have been part of the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). Deeds dating from 1973 to 1977 are imaged and available on computer in the clerk's office. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Deed Index Direct, 1887-1936 (1 volume); 
Deed Index Indirect [Grantee], 1887-1936 (1 volume); 
Deed Record [title varies], vol. A-Y, 1-141, 1863-1969 (166 volumes); vol. A-Y, 1-141, 1863-1969 (20 inches of microfilm jackets);
Deeds, 1969-1973 (59 inches of aperture cards);
Direct Index to Deeds, vol. A, 1863-1895 (1 volume); 
Index to Deeds Direct, 1863-1910 (1 volume);
Index to Deeds Grantee, vol. 2-8, 1937-1985 (7 volumes);
Index to Deeds Grantor, vol. 2-8, 1937-1985 (7 volumes); 
Index to Deeds Reverse, 1863-1910 (1 volume);
Indirect Index to Deeds, vol. A, 1863-1895 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room: 
Deeds [Record], 1969-1973 (59 inches of aperture cards); 
Go to Basement [Deed Record], vol. A-Y, 1-141, 1863-1969 (22 inches of microfilm jackets); 
Microfilm Silver [Deed Record-Security], vol. A-Y, 1-141, 1963-1969 (52 reels of microfilm);
Microfilm Silver [Index to Deeds Direct and Reverse], 1863-1910 (1 reel of microfilm).
​1861-1978

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Delayed Birth Registration Petitions and Certificates [documents births from 1861-1948], no. 1-332, 1943-1978 (1 cu.ft.); 
Register of Birth Certificates [with index], vol. 1, 1943-1978 (1 volume); 

1940-1972

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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Record of Election, vol. 4-6, 1940-1972 (3 volumes).
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.

No county generated farm name registration records were located in the inventory. However, the Malheur County Library, Malheur Country Historical Society Collection includes the related Gem State Rural's Farm Directory that details Malheur County farm locations and tax assessments for 1918-1919.​
1864-1957

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 Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Index to Patents Direct [indexes land patents in the Deed Record], vol. 1, 1877-1919 (1 volume).

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​).
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. 

No county generated foreclosure records created before 1921 were located in the inventory. However, during the early 1900s the board of county commissioners ordered tax foreclosure lists to be published in the Ontario Argus newspaper. Refer to the indexes in the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series for more information.​
1887-2016

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 for 75 years by Oregon Revised Statute 192.496.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Insane Record [Commitment], vol. 1, 1926-1941 (1 volume);
[Mental Commitment Case Files-alphabetically arranged], 1911-1941 (2.20 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
County Court Index Civil [indexes civil proceedings-includes insane commitments until ca.1911], vol. A, 1887-1951 (1 volume);
County Court Journal Civil Proceedings [includes insane commitments until ca.1911], vol. A-C, 1887-1951 (3 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room:
Insane Record [Commitment-title varies], vol. 2-14, 1942-1969 (13 volumes);
[Mental Commitment Case Files], 2005-2015 (1.50 cu.ft.);
Mental [Commitment Case Files-alphabetically arranged], 1942-1973 (7 cu.ft.);
Mental [Commitment Case Files], no. 1-327, 1973-1998 (10.50 cu.ft.);
Mentally Ill Register and Index, vol. 1, 1973-1988 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Criminal Records Storage Room:
Scanned [Mental Commitment Case Files], 1969-1972 (5 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Office:
[Mental Commitment Case Files], 2014-2016 (.35 cu.ft.).
1910-1956

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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room:
Judgment Lien Docket [Circuit Court], vol. 1, ca.1910-ca.1956 (1 volume).
1895-1957 

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before justice of the peace courts. Dockets include defendant, plaintiff, attorney, witness, and juror names; action dates and nature of cases; judgments; and statements of costs. Actions include complaints, summonses, appearances, testimonies, bonds, judgments, pleas, fines, jail terms, marriages, and writs of attachment. Civil and criminal cases include larceny, burglary, recovering money or personal property, trespassing, hunting out of season, and illegal voting. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Justice Court Basement Storage Area:
Justice Docket [McDermitt District-with index], 1937-1957 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room
City Docket [City of Juntura Recorder's Court-acts as ex officio justice court docket], vol. 1, 1913-1916 (1 volume). 

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum: 
Justice Docket [Ontario District-with index], 1895-1898 (1 volume);
[Justice Docket-Ontario District-with index], 1905-1911 (1 volume).
​​
​1887-[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 1868 were filed in the Deeds and Indexes and the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series. An electronic index for subdivision and partition plats beginning in circa 1887 and imaged documents beginning in 1999 are available on computers in the clerk's office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Partition Plats & Subdivisions [Index], ca.1887-present (1 binder of computer printouts);
Partition Plats [Index], 1988-present (1 binder);
Planning & Zoning [Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance], 1983 (1 volume);
Plat Cabinet A [Subdivision Plats], 1887-present (ca.220 plats);
Plat Cabinet B [Partition Plats], 1988-present (ca.430 plats).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Malheur County Code No. 11 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1976 (1 binder);
Malheur County Code No. 13 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1981 (1 binder).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office:
Malheur County Code [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-present (1 binder);
[Ordinances-includes comprehensive plan amendment, zoning and subdivision], 1973-present (.75 cu.ft.);
[Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1995-present (18 cu.ft.);
[Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance], 2002 (1 volume);
[Subdivision Ordinance], 1989 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Basement Storage Area:
Planning Dept. Files [Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1979-1995 (14 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Website:
County Code​ [includes zoning and subdivision information], n.d.-present.
1903-1987 

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 abolished in 1972 by Oregon law. Additional land ownership records may be found in the Deeds and Indexes series. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Applications to Register Title [includes decrees], no. 1-56, 1903-1920 (.60 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
[Land Contracts-with index], vol. 1-3, 1931-1987 (3 volumes);
Register of Titles, vol. 1, 1904-1971 (1 volume); 1905-1972 (1 volume); 
Torrens System, Nyssa Area [Records], ca.1910-ca.1969 (2.50 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area: 
Present Owner's Acreage, 1919-1926 (1 volume); 
Present Owner's Lots, ca.1914-1951 (1 volume).
1887-[ongoing]

Series provides a visual representation of the county and of physical structures constructed on county lands. Series includes maps, plans, and drawings that vary in size, scale, and date. Included are maps, plans, and drawings of counties and cities, election precincts, courthouses and other county buildings, cemeteries, rivers, Indian reservations, school districts, construction projects, and soil classifications. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Irrigation Stuff [Soils Survey Map Warmsprings Irrigation District-rolled], 1927 (1 map);
Jail Exercise Yard [Plans-rolled], 1986 (2 drawings);
Malheur Area Maps [includes aerial photographic maps], ca.1963-ca.1973 (ca.30 maps);
Metsker's Atlas of Malheur County Oregon, n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area:
[Assessor's Plats-Land Ownership-hand drawn in color], ca.1925 (ca.400 plats);
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes assessment, road, topographic, highway, road survey-in wooden drawer], ca.1935-ca.1980 (ca.300 maps).
Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
[Assessor's Maps-Current], n.d.-present (9 volumes);
[Assessor's Maps-Superseded], n.d. (9 volumes);
[Assessor's Plat and Description Book], ca.1887-n.d. (1 volume);
Assessor's Tax Number Book [Assessor's Plat and Description Book], vol. 1-2, ca.1916 (2 volumes);
Metsker's Atlas of Malheur County Oregon [large volume], 1935 (1 volume);
Plat Book [Assessor's-includes colored drawings], 1887-n.d. (1 volume);
[School and Road District Boundary Maps], n.d.-ca.1950 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office:
[County Address Maps], vol. 1-6, 2016 (6 binders);
Flood Insurance Rate Map [Federal Emergency Management Agency], 1986 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Basement Storage Area:
Flood Insurance Rate Map [Federal Emergency Management Agency], 1986 (1 cu.ft.);
[Malheur County Rural Maps and Addresses], vol. 1-3, n.d. (3 volumes);
Metsker's Atlas of Malheur County Oregon, n.d. (1 volume);
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes roads, cities, flood insurance, drainage basin, irrigation districts, reservoirs, dams, waterways, bridges, and other counties], ca.1950-ca.1986 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Administration Basement Storage Room:
Fairgrounds [Building Plans], 1965 (8 drawings);
Jail [Malheur County Jail Plans], 1963 (ca.30 drawings);
Malheur County Community Correction Work Center [Plans-rolled], 1998 (ca.50 drawings);
Malheur County Courthouse [Blueprint Plans-rolled], ca.1958 (ca.20 drawings);
Malheur County Courthouse Originals [Plans-rolled], ca.1958 (12 drawings);
Malheur County Juvenile Detention Facility [Plans], 2000 (ca.20 drawings).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Facilities Manager Basement Office:
Malheur County Criminal Justice Facility [Plans-rolled], 1995 (ca.75 drawings).

Records at the Malheur County Road Department Office:
Malheur County Atlas and Rural Directory [includes roads], 1968 (1 volume);
[Quadrangle Maps-United States Geological Survey], ca.1951-ca.1990 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the Malheur County Website:
GIS Address Map Book [Assessor Maps-by township and range], ca.2016-present;
Malheur County Map Online​ [GIS Map-on aerial photograph base-includes links to assessment information], n.d.-present.

Records at a Related Website:
Tax Assessment GIS Maps [select county], n.d.-present.
1895

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. 

No county generated marks and brands registration records were located in the inventory. However, the Malheur County Library has published marks and brands books that include Malheur County for a number of years. 

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum: 
Universal Stock Register [Malheur County-includes cattle and horse brands], ca.1895 (1 volume).
1880-1986

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.

An electronic index and imaged documents for marriage records beginning in circa 1887 are available on computers in the clerk's office. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room: 
Index to Marriage Record, vol. 1-3, 1887-1986 (3 volumes); 
Marriage Record, vol. A-I, 1887-1962 (9 volumes);
Marriages [Records-includes certificates, applications, affidavits, and returns], ca.1880-1962 (7 cu.ft.).
1889-1971

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.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Physicians & Surgeons Record [includes nurses, chiropractors, optometrists, and dentists], vol. 1, 1889-1944 (1 volume); 
Physicians and Surgeons Record [includes nurses, chiropractors, optometrists, and dentists-with index], 1945-1971 (1 volume); 
Physicians & Surgeons Register [includes nurses, chiropractors, optometrists, and dentists-alphabetical], vol. 1, 1889-1944 (1 volume).
1917-1973 

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

From 1969 to 1983 military discharges were microfilmed as part of the Deeds, Mtg., and Misc. records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). They were also maintained separately from 1969-1973 on aperture cards. Since 1983 military discharges have been part of the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). An electronic index for military discharges beginning in circa 1944 and imaged documents beginning in 1999 are available on computers in the clerk's office. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Go to Basement [Discharge Records-Military], 1969-1973 (2.50 inches of aperture cards); 
U.S. Service Discharge Record [title varies-with index], vol. 1-8, 1944-1969 (8 volumes).  

Records at a Related Web Site: 
War Registration List​ [Malheur County-World War I], 1917 (US GenWeb Project).
1865-[ongoing]

Series documents actions filed with the county related to mineral interest claims. Types of actions include mineral rights and royalty assignments, mineral interest claims, lease releases, interest stipulations, corrections, bills of sale and conveyance assignments, and location notices. Information includes names of involved parties; action types and dates; and volume and page numbers. The series may include copies of claim location notices giving descriptions and details of individual claims.

From 1969 to 1983 mining claims were microfilmed as part of the Deeds, Mtg., and Misc. records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). They were also maintained separately from 1969-1973 on aperture cards. Since 1983 mining claims have been part of the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). An electronic index for mining claims beginning in 1986 and imaged documents beginning in 1999 are available on computers in the clerk's office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Mining Claims [Record], 1969-1973 (7.50 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Index to Mining Records, vol. 3-4, 1978-1986 (2 volumes);
Mining Claims [Record], 1969-1973 (7.50 inches of aperture cards);
Mining Direct Name Index, 2000-2010 (1 binder of computer printouts);
Mining Indirect Name Index, 2000-2010 (1 binder of computer printouts);
Mining Record [with index], vol. 1-2, 1964-1968 (2 volumes);
Placer Record, vol. 1, 1958-1964 (1 volume);
Record of Oil and Placer Locations, vol. 2, 1901 (1 volume);
Record of Placer Locations [with index], vol. F-K, 1905-1958 (6 volumes);
Record of Quartz Locations, vol. E-I, 1-3, 1910-1964 (8 volumes).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office:
Original Survey Notes and Corner Records [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management-includes mineral surveys], 1865-ca.1998 (7 inches of microfiche).

Records at a Related Web Site:
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​).
1865-1985

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.

From 1969 to 1983 mortgages were microfilmed as part of the Deeds, Mtg., and Misc. records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). They were also maintained separately from 1969-1973 on aperture cards. Since 1983 mortgages have been part of the Clerk's Permanent Microfilm records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Index to Mortgages Mortgagee, 1937-1957 (1 volume);
Index to Mortgages Mortgagor, 1937-1957 (1 volume);
Mortgage Index Direct, 1887-1937 (1 volume);
Mortgage Index Reverse, 1887-1937 (1 volume);
Mortgage Record [title varies], vol. A-Z, 1-127, 1865-1969 (153 volumes);
Mortgages [Record], 1969-1973 (43 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Index to Mortgages Mortgagee, vol. 3-7, 1957-1985 (5 volumes);
Index to Mortgages Mortgagor, vol. 3-7, 1957-1985 (5 volumes);
Mortgages [Record], 1969-1973 (43 inches of aperture cards).
1861-1980 

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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 
Naturalization [Certificate Stubs], 1931-1980 (.10 cu.ft.);
Naturalization Old File [includes petitions, facts for petition, and certificates], 1861-1908 (.10 cu.ft.); 
Naturalization Record [includes applications and certificates-with index], vol. 1, 1901-1905, 1932 (1 volume).
1906-1980 

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 Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Decl. of Intention [Declaration-with index], no. 386-587, 1930-1978 (3 volumes); 
Naturalization Petitions [includes no. 232-725 and declarations of intention and certificates of arrival-title varies-with index], vol. 4-11, 1931-1980 (8 volumes);
Petition and Record [includes declarations of intention-with index], vol. 1-3, 1907-1929 (3 volumes);
Record of Declaration of Intention [no. 1-199-with index], vol. 1-2, 1906-1916 (2 volumes); 
Record of Declaration [with index], vol. 3, 1916-1929 (1 volume).
1861-1980 

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 Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
County Court Index Civil [indexes civil proceedings-includes naturalization information until ca.1907], vol. A, 1887-1951 (1 volume); 
County Court Journal Civil Proceedings [includes naturalization information until ca.1907], vol. A-B, 1887-1910 (2 volumes); 
Naturalization Court Orders, 1930-1980 (2 volumes); 
Naturalization Old File [includes petitions, facts for petition, and certificates], 1861-1908 (.10 cu.ft.);
Naturalization Petitions [includes no. 232-725 and declarations of intention and certificates of arrival-title varies-with index], vol. 4-11, 1931-1980 (8 volumes);
Naturalization Record [includes applications and certificates-with index], vol. 1, 1901-1905, 1932 (1 volume); 
Petition and Record [includes declarations of intention-with index], vol. 1-3, 1907-1929 (3 volumes); 
Transfer Cases [Naturalization Petitions], 1965-1979 (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. 

No separate county generated pension and relief records were located in the inventory. However, pauper and indigent relief information is included in the commissioners journals and indexes for a number of years in the later 1800s and early 1900s. See the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series.​
1970-[ongoing]

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 Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office: 
Planning & Zoning [Planning Commission Minutes], 1970-1992 (.50 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office: 
Planning Commission Minutes], 2015-present (ca..25 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Basement Storage Area: 
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, 1970-2014 (2 cu.ft.).
1953-1968 

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(3).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Sheriff's Basement Storage Room: 
Jail Register [with index], vol. 4-5, 1953-1968 (2 volumes).
​1886-[ongoing]

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. In 1969, all probate jurisdiction was transferred from the county and district courts to the circuit courts with the exception of Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties where probate jurisdiction was transferred to the county court. Portions of these records may be restricted.

An electronic index for probate case files beginning in 1886 and imaged documents beginning in 1975 are available on computers in the clerk's office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Estate [Probate Case Files], no. 2547-3632, 1962-1987 (30 cu.ft.);
Index Probate Files [indexes case files and registers], vol. 1, 1887-n.d. (1 volume);
Probate [Case Files], no. 2761-3356, 1969-1973 (15 inches of aperture cards);
[Probate Case Files], no. 2051-2546, 1955-1962 (12.50 cu.ft.); no. 3633-5274, 1981-2005 (53 cu.ft.);
Probate Files [Case], 1886-1908 (2 reels of microfilm);
Probate Order [Case File Index], vol. 37, ca.1955-1989 (1 volume);
Small Est [Estate Case Files], no. 1-1175, 1973-2014 (15 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Probate [Case Files], no. 2761-3356, 1969-1973 (15 inches of aperture cards);
[Probate Case Files-Open-includes a small number of older cases], no. ca.5000-5996, ca.2000-present (36 cu.ft.);
[Probate Case Files], no. 1-2050, 1886-1955 (48 cu.ft.);
Small Estate Register [with index], vol. 1-2, 1973-present (2 volumes);
Small Estates [Case Files], no. 1176-1310, 2014-present (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Web Site:
ActiveDoX Probate Index​ [includes information about estates, small estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts-searchable], ca.1909-present.
1886-[ongoing]

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. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room: 
Accounts Probate [Record], 1886-1892 (1 volume); 
Administrator's Probate [Journal], vol. 1, 1886-1911 (1 volume);
Index Probate Files [indexes case files and registers], vol. 1, 1887-n.d. (1 volume); 
Probate Account Book [with index], vol. 2-10, 1887-1950 (9 volumes);
Probate Journal, vol. 15-36, 1950-1969 (22 volumes); 
Probate Order Book [title varies-with index], vol. 2-14, 1886-1950 (13 volumes). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Probate Court Register [with index], vol. 1-8, 1887-present (8 volumes); 
Small Estates Register [with index], vol. 1-2, 1973-present (2 volumes).
1887-[ongoing]

Series documents the development, construction, maintenance, and improvement of county roads and bridges. Records include bonds, general road and highway maps, petitions to have roads constructed or altered, notices, complaints, vacation records, and correspondence. Information includes road numbers and names and descriptions of the activity occurring on the road. Information concerning county roads may be available on the Integrated Road Information System (IRIS) at the county road office. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes.

The Malheur County Road Department Building burned in 1949 leaving few records about county roads and bridges. In 1978, the county conducted a project to gather information such as petitions and vacations about county "dedicated" roads from the County Court Journal-Commissioner's Proceedings (Commissioners Administrative Journals). Information about "non-dedicated" roads (roads obtained through deeds, etc.) has been compiled also.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Basement Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes roads, cities, flood insurance, drainage basin, irrigation districts, reservoirs, dams, waterways, bridges, and other counties], ca.1950-ca.1986 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes assessment, road, topographic, highway, road survey-in wooden drawer], ca.1935-ca.1980 (ca.300 maps).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Basement Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Road and Bridge Maps and Plans-includes road survey information], ca.1933-ca.1988 (ca.100 maps and drawings).

Records at the Malheur County Road Department Office:
Bridge Construction [Records-includes plans, specifications, reports, correspondence], ca.1960-present (3 cu.ft.);
Bridge Files [Topical-includes nominations, load ratings, seismic data, etc.], ca.1960-present (2 cu.ft.);
Bridge Inspection Reports, 1991-present (3 cu.ft.);
Dedicated Roads [Case Files-includes description and referral sheets, permits, right-of-way], 1887-present (4 cu.ft.);
Malheur County Atlas and Rural Directory [includes roads], 1968 (1 volume);
[Miscellaneous Road Maps], 1973-1981 (ca.100 maps);
Non-Dedicated Roads [Case Files-includes description and referral sheets, permits, right-of-way], ca.1887-present (2 cu.ft.);
Road and Bridge Construction Project Records-also documents state highway projects-includes specifications, plans, maps, correspondence, and related records], ca.1963-ca.1990 (2 cu.ft.);
Road Files [Subject Files-includes complaints, minutes, permits, studies, etc.], ca.1949-present (26 cu.ft.).
1922-1988 

Series documents the surveying and mapping of county roads. Records include road surveyor notes, alignment, profile, and other survey maps, and road registers. Information includes legal descriptions of the roads; road names and numbers; plans and profiles; township, range, and section numbers; dates of activity; and scales. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records.

The Malheur County Road Department Building burned in 1949 resulting in the loss of road map and survey information. 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes assessment, road, topographic, highway, road survey-in wooden drawer], ca.1935-ca.1980 (ca.300 maps). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Basement Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Road and Bridge Maps and Plans-includes road survey information], ca.1933-ca.1988 (ca.100 maps and drawings).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Nyssa-Jordan Valley Market Road [Survey Strip Map], 1922 (1 map).
1880-1961

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 Malheur Education Service District Office, Front Room:
District Clerks' Annual Reports [includes various districts], 1902-1913 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 12-Juntura], 1930-1933 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 13], 1911-1915 (1 volume); 1911-1916 (1 volume); 1916-1920 (1 volume);
Malheur County Census [School-Clerk's Annual Census Report], 1936-1937 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 4-Bully Creek], 1928-1936 (1 volume); 1937-1939 (1 volume); 1943-1948 (1 volume);
[Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 4-Bully Creek], 1940-1950 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 12-Juntura], 1895-1898 (1 volume); 1901-1906 (1 volume); 1901-1912 (1 volume); 1914-1921 (2 volumes); 1922-1927 (1 volume); 1935-1939 (1 volume); 1939-1958 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 15-Vale], 1908-1911 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 23-Pioneer], 1936-1938 (1 volume); 1936-1939 (1 volume); 1939 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 33-White Settlement], 1896-1898 (1 volume); 1900-1903 (1 volume); 1904-1908 (1 volume); 1913-1916 (1 volume); 1917-1921 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 38], 1911-1921 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 50], 1917-1930 (1 volume); 1930-1935 (1 volumes); 1940-1943 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 52-Follyfarm or Turnbull], 1908-1917 (1 volume); 1918 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 54-Clover Creek], 1914-1920 (1 volume); 1921-1923 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 58-Enterprise], 1923-1925 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 63-McNulty], 1922-1930 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 73-Porter's Flat], 1914-1918 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 79-Namorf], 1928-1930 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur Education Service District Office, Women's Restroom Storage:
[Oregon Teacher's Annual Report], 1944-1961 (1.20 cu.ft.).

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum:
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 14], 1930-1940 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 28-Indian Creek], 1894-1927 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 29], 1921-1932 (1 volume);
Stacy's School Record [Attendance Book-Ironside School], 1880-1881 (1 volume);
The History of Education in the Public Schools of Malheur County Before 1920 [1960 Masters Thesis by Marion Gerald Dizey-includes copies of teacher contracts, monthly reports, and petitions], 1894-1920 (1 volume).

Records at a Related Web Site:
Malheur County Schools [Student Photographs and Lists-includes several schools], ca.1911-ca.1932 (US GenWeb Project).
1893-1994
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.

School district boundary change descriptions were entered in the commissioners journals and indexes for a number of years in the late 1800s and early 1900s. See the Commissioners Administrative Journals record series.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
[School and Road District Boundary Maps], n.d.-ca.1950 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur Education Service District Office, Front Room:
Malheur County Census [School], 1936-1948 (1 volume);
Record of Plats and Boundaries [School District], vol. 1, n.d. (1 volume); vol. 2, 1921-1949 (1 volume);
Record of School District Boundaries, vol. 3, ca.1949-ca.1994 (1 volume);
[Register of Malheur County Teachers], 1938-1968 (1 volume);
Register of School District Officers, vol. 1, 1895-1914 (1 volume);
Register of School Districts [Boundary Record], vol. 1, 1893-ca.1906 (1 volume);
Register of State Certificates and Diplomas, vol. 1, 1899-1938 (1 volume);
Register of Teachers Employed, vol. 1, 1895-1912 (1 volume);
Register of Teachers Under Contract, vol. 1, 1916-1942 (1 volume);
School District Boundary Record, vol. 1, n.d. (1 volume);
School Superintendent Eighth Grade Graduates, 1935-1961 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur Education Service District Office, Women's Restroom Storage:
Malheur County Teachers [Teachers Record Card], 1960-1961 (.50 cu.ft.);
[School District Boundary Maps-rolled], ca.1959-n.d. (1.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur Education Service District Office, Morgan Addition Warehouse Records Storage:
Census Reports Nyssa Ontario Vale [School]. 1933-1958 (1 cu.ft.);
Census [School], 1914-1936 (1 cu.ft.); 1937-1952 (1 cu.ft.); 1953-1970 (1 cu.ft.); 1960-1970 (1 volume);
County School Superintendent's Register and Record Book, 1899 (1 volume); 1904 (1 volume); 1907 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume); 1909 (1 volume); 1911 (1 volume); 1912 (1 volume); 1914 (1 volume); 1915 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur Education Service District Office, Leggitt Meeting Room:
Historic School Districts [Boundary Wall Map-documents various historic school district consolidations], n.d. (1 map).

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum:
The History of Education in the Public Schools of Malheur County Before 1920 [1960 Masters Thesis by Marion Gerald Dizey-includes copies of teacher contracts, monthly reports, and petitions], 1894-1920 (1 volume).
​1865-[ongoing] 

Series documents surveys of county land by the county or licensed professional surveyors. Records include log books, field notes, and plats. An index may also be included. Information includes survey dates; who the survey was for; donation land claims; township, range, section, and survey numbers; a history of previous surveys made for the area; descriptions of land, vegetation, and soil; landmarks; metes and bounds of tracts surveyed; and surveyor's names. Plats also include corner restoration marks, scales, dates created and filed, and donation land claim owners.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Office: 
[County Survey Records-Register and Index], ca.1955-present (1 volume); 
Original Survey Notes and Corner Records [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management-includes mineral surveys], 1865-ca.1998 (7 inches of microfiche);
Surveying [Miscellaneous Records-includes maps, notes, correspondence, and related administrative records-title varies], 2012-present (1 cu.ft.); 
Survey Number [Survey Plat Copies], 2012-present (1.50 cu.ft.); 
Surveys A [Original Filed Plats], ca.1973-2007 (456 plats); 
Surveys B [Original Filed Plats-includes subdivision and partition plats], ca.1887-present (1626 plats); 
Surveys C [Original Filed Plats-includes subdivisions], ca.1955-present (172 plats). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Surveyor's Basement Storage Area:
Surveying [Miscellaneous Records-includes maps, notes, correspondence, and related administrative records-title varies], ca.1988-2012 (10 cu.ft.);
Survey Number [Survey Plat Copies], ca.1955-2012 (24 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
For Office Use Only [General Land Office and Bureau of Land Management Plats and Descriptions-copies], ca.1871-ca.1952 (1 volume). 

Records at a Related Web Site:
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​).
1948-2003 

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. 

Since 2003 tax lot information has been maintained electronically. Older tax lot information has been imaged and is available on computers in the Assessor's Office.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
[Description Changes Printouts-includes tax lot information], 2010-present (9 binders);
[Tax Lot Cards-Official Record of Descriptions of Real Property], ca.1960-ca.2003 (15 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Basement Storage Area: 
[Description Changes Printouts-includes tax lot information], 2003-2009 (16 binders); 
Microfilm Description Cards [Official Record of Descriptions of Real Property], ca.1960-1974 (7 reels of microfilm);
Old Description Cards [Official Record of Descriptions of Real Property], ca.1948-ca.1962 (9 cu.ft.).
1874-1992

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.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Index Map of Malheur River and Tributaries Adjudication Surveys [Water Rights Maps], 1914 (1 volume);
Irrigation District Assessments [Record], 1939-1961 (1 volume);
Old Water Rights Cow Creek, Ironside, Willow Creek, ca.1886-ca.1964 (.30 cu.ft.);
Warmsprings Irrigation District Lien Docket, vol. 1-2, 1936-ca.1938 (2 volumes);
[Water Rights Adjudication Records-Malheur River], ca.1906-ca.1935 (2 cu.ft.);
[Water Rights Adjudication Records-Owyhee River], ca.1915-ca.1926 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Exhibits to Nevada & Drewsey Ditch Companies [Irrigation Maps-rolled], 1920 (ca.10 maps);
Index to Water Rights, 1917-1985 (1 volume);
Irrigation and Drainage District Register [with index], vol. 1, 1906-1934 (1 volume);
Irrigation Districts [Records]-includes findings, conclusions, orders, and reports], ca.1910-ca.1983 (3 cu.ft.);
Orchard Water [Willow Creek Water Rights Adjudication Records], ca.1910-1992 (1.20 cu.ft.);
Record of Water Rights [title varies-with index], vol. A-G, 1874-1969 (7 volumes);
Water Rights [Index], 1874-1969 (1 binder of computer printouts).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Assessor's Office:
Adjudication Survey of Owyhee River and Tributaries [Water Rights Original Evidence Maps], vol. 10, 1921 (1 volume).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Circuit Court Basement Civil Records Storage Room:
[Circuit Court Case Files-Water Rights], ca.1931-2015 (6 cu.ft.);
In Re Malheur Contest Testimony, vol. 1-6, 1917 (6 volumes);
In Re Owyhee River Original Evidence, vol. 6, 1926 (1 volume);
In the Matter of the Determination of the Relative Rights to the Use of the Water of Malheur River [Testimony and Exhibits], 1917 (5 volumes);
In the Matter of the Determination of the Rights to the Waters of Willow Creek Transcript of Evidence, vol. A, 1911 (1 volume);
Water Rights [Adjudication Case Records-includes Malheur River, Owyhee River, Cottonwood Creek, Cow Creek, Willow Creek-boxed], ca.1910-ca.1990 (5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Rinehart Stone House Museum:
[Vale Irrigation Project Book of Records], 1930 (1 volume).

Records at the Ontario Community Library, Malheur Country Historical Society Collection:
Owyhee Ditch vs. Reisel [Water Rights Circuit Court Case Transcript-photocopy], ca.1926 (1 volume).
​1965-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and implementation of codes and policies relating to the zoning of county lands and to illustrate and locate zoned areas within the county. Records include uniform zone codes and ordinances depicting zoned lands in the county. Information in codes and ordinances includes definition, code/ordinance numbers, purposes, uses, conditions for use, and changes made to codes/ordinances. Maps include area and/or zone descriptions, dates created, scales, and commissioners' signatures. Areas are typically zoned for residential, industrial, commercial, flood plain, agricultural, timber, public and government, and mineral extraction uses.

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office:
Malheur County Code [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-present (1 binder);
[Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1995-present (18 cu.ft.);
[Zoning Map Atlas], n.d. (1 volume);
[Zoning Ordinance], 1973 (1 volume); 1984 (.10 cu.ft.); ca.1993 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Planning Department Office Basement Storage Area:
Planning Dept. Files [Planning Department Land Use Action Case Files includes subdivision, partition, comprehensive plan amendment, zone change, conditional use, and other information], ca.1979-1995 (14 cu.ft.);
Zone [Zoning Permits], ca.1977-ca.1994 (1 cu.ft.);
Zoning Permits, ca.1989-2005 (5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:
Ordinance [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], no. 159, 198, 202, 204, 207, 2006-2006 (5 binders);
Ordinance Urban Growth Boundary [Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendments], 2006 (1 binder);
Planning & Zoning [Zoning Ordinances], 1970-1978 (.20 cu.ft.);
Zoning & Comprehensive Materials [Plan Maps-rolled], 1984 (ca.30 maps);
[Zoning Maps], ca.1973-ca.1986 (1 volume);
Zoning Sepias [Maps-Zoning for All Private Lands-boxed], 1973-n.d. (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Malheur County Courthouse, Clerk's Basement Storage Room:
Malheur County Code No. 11 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1976 (1 binder);
Malheur County Code No. 13 [includes zoning, subdivision, and partition ordinances], 1965-1981 (1 binder).

Records at the Malheur County Webs​ite:
County Code [includes zoning and subdivision information], n.d.-present.
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A well worn dirt path runs down the floor of a canyon. Interesting rock formations rise in the distance.
Rock formations in Leslie Gulch. (Photo No. malDA0096)

Malheur County Cour​thouse

251 B St West 
Vale, OR 97918 
Clerk: 541-473-5151 
Courts: 541-473-5171