These dead files usually appear in the beginning of a numbering run. For example, all dead files beginning with 13-whatever precede all active files beginning with 13. Automobiles, banks, businesses, mining, utilities, and transportation companies often appear at the end of a reel or a year. Utilities include telegraph companies, electric companies, and irrigation and canal companies. Transportation companies include railroads, freight lines, stage lines, transit lines, etc.
Mining includes mining companies, mines, mining buildings and other property, and mining districts.
The index will give the volume, page, and line number for the earlier years, and the volume and serial number in later years. Use the index closest to the year being searched. If the property owner for the year being sought is not known, start with a later owner and work backwards through number changes until reaching the desired year. If no property owner is known, use the property number or legal description. Using a street address is not a viable search method.