Research


Scope and Content Note

This series contains official notices of resignation and removals from office. Among the records are those concerning investigations and hearings dealing with possible malfeasance, such as the impeachment of Governor William Sulzer. The bulk of the series consists of resignations that were filed in the Secretary of State's office pursuant to Chapter 126 of the Laws of 1850, which stipulated that written resignations were to be submitted and signed by the incumbent. Section 31 (resignations) and section 35 (removals) of the Public Officers Law also required resignation letters and removal orders for specified state officers be filed in the Secretary of State's office.

Each resignation provides the date, name and office resigned. Box one contains a rough name index file which is composed of correspondence to the Secretary of State from the acting secretary of the governor stating that the governor has been informed of a resignation or removal.