These volumes were created by the attorneys for land and cattle baron Henry Miller in preparation for the lawsuit Miller et al. v. Thomas et al., involving title to land encompassed by the Las Animas Rancho, including the town of Gilroy. The purpose of the volumes was to expedite settlement of the lawsuit by gathering together all available information about chains of title to lands involved in the dispute.
From the description of Las Animas Rancho abstract, 1850-1880. (Santa Clara County Archives). WorldCat record id: 501846634