Montana. Secretary of State

The Montana Territorial Secretary, authorized by the Organic Act of The Territory of Montana, was a presidential appointee whose duties included the transmittal of federal reports, and serving as Territorial Governor in the latters absence. With the adoption of the 1889 Montana State Constitution the Office of the Secretary of State replaced the Territorial Secretary. The new Secretary was elected to a four term and assigned a variety of new tasks including serving as ex-officio member of various boards and commissions. The Secretary currently serves as a member of the State Board of Examiners, Board of Trustees of the Law Library, Board of Land Commissioners, and the Board of Prison Commissioners. In addition he or she serves as president of the House of Representatives; chief election officer overseeing procedures and publications relating to state elections; state corporations officer overseeing incorporation documentation for foreign and domestic businesses; custodian of records affixing his seal to and filing official documents handled by the Governor's Office; and central filing officer for the Uniform Commercial Codes, notary bonds, deeds, mortgages, motor vehicle registration, and trade marks.

From the guide to the Montana Secretary of State Office Records, 1867-1975, (Montana Historical Society Archives)

With the adoption of the 1889 Montana State Constitution the Office of the Secretary of State replaced the Territorial Secretary. The new Secretary was elected to a four-year term and assigned a variety of new tasks including serving as ex-officio member of various boards and commissions. The Secretary currently serves as a member of the State Board of Examiners, Board of Trustees of the Law Library, Board of Land Commissioners, and the Board of Prison Commissioners. In addition he or she serves as president of the House of Representatives; chief election officer overseeing procedures and publications relating to state elections; state corporations officer overseeing incorporation documentation for foreign and domestic businesses; custodian of records affixing his seal to and filing official documents handled by the Governor's Office; central filing officer for the Uniform Commercial Codes, notary bonds, deeds, mortgages, motor vehicle registration, and trade marks; and Records Management Bureau for state agencies.

From the description of Montana Secretary of State records, 1912-2003. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 244490181

The Montana Territorial Secretary was an appointee of the President with duties of transmittal of federal reports and service as acting Governor in the absense of the Governor. Under the 1889 Montana constitution, the Secretary of State was an elected official with a variety of tasks, including service on a number of state boards, custodian of state documents, and overseer of state and local elections.

From the description of Records, 1864-1902. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 78015746

The Montana Secretary of State was official custodian of the Montana constitutions until they were transferred to the State Archives in 1980.

Montana Territory first attempted to join the Union in 1864. No copy of the constitution written at that time exists. In 1884 a second unsuccessful attempt was made. Finally in 1889 Montana was admitted to the Union. In 1972, after the original 1889 constitution had been amended repeatedly, a constitutional convention wrote an entirely new constitution.

From the description of Records, 1884-1972. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 70925771