The office of County Recorder and County Clerk were established in 1850.
The County Recorder maintained records relating to ownership of real property, vital statistics, and other matters. From 1850 until 1893, the recorder also served as county auditor. The recorder was elected until 1951 when the new county charter made the position appointive. The County Clerk created or maintained diverse and important records. The clerk's duties have changed over time. In Santa Clara County, the clerk acted as clerk of the board of supervisors from 1852 until 1951, when the county charter created a separate clerk of the board. In addition, the clerk acted as clerk of county courts until 1999. Records for which the clerk is responsible have included court records, files of the board of supervisors, marriage certificates, registers of licensed professionals, and business records.
From the description of Clerk-Recorder records, 1840-2002. (Santa Clara County Archives). WorldCat record id: 503322470
