This collection documents individual property titles, deeds, maps, surveys of the City of Yuma and surrounding town sites, tax assessment districts, and subdivisions. Many mortgages are original - some fragile - dating back to the 1880s. A number of title searches include law suits and tax receipts. Some trace property ownership from the first sales of platted Territorial land through the 1970s. Many early Yuma founders such as Sanguinetti, Modesti, Gandolfo, Levy, and Polhamus figure prominently here. Of interest is the evolution of city annexation, subdivisions, restrictions and the paving and sewer districts. Early ownership and homesteading of farmland and some early mining claims are also documented. Land speculation can be seen in newly surveyed town sites such as Parker and Somerton.
This collection is arranged in five series reflecting original order and how the materials were searched or used by the company. Series I: General; Series II: City Blocks of Yuma (maps and surveys with some deeds); Series III: Paving and Sewer Districts (tax assessments); Series IV: Subdivisions; Series V: Restrictions (building, land use and other guidelines specific to certain subdivisions).
