Maryland. Treasurer of the Eastern Shore

The Maryland Constitution of 1776 continued the colonial offices of the Eastern and Western Shore treasurers. Primarily a result of geography and demographics, the standing of the two treasuries was unequal. While their principle function was to receive and disburse public funds, the Eastern Shore treasurer was little more than a deputy or agent of his Western Shore counterpart, who conducted most of the treasury business of the state. By 1841, transactions of the Eastern Shore office declined to such an extent that the office was abolished by constitutional amendment and the Treasurer of the Western Shore served for all of Maryland (Laws of 1841, ch. 200). Some of the Eastern Shore treasurer's records date well after the expiration of the office, because the Western Shore treasurer made use of the same books. After 1843, however, all treasury records are considered to be those created by the office of State Treasurer.