Stanislaus was part of Tuolumne County until 1854, divided to make two counties.  In 1860, a triangular portion of San Joaquin County was annexed to Stanislaus County.  Stanislaus had 4 different county seats before Modesto became the permanent site in 1871.  In 1854, Adamsville became the first county seat and later that year moved to Empire City.  In 1855, the county seat moved to La Grange which lasted until 1862, once again moved, this time to Knights Ferry.

The Stanislaus County Auditor's Office was combined with the Clerk and Recorder's Office in the early history of the county.  In 1875, the Recorder was ex-officio Auditor and these offices remained combined until 1915.  It is interesting to note that most County offices were appointive for a two-year term until 1879, when the records of the County Clerk's Office indicate the first election for Recorder-Ex_Officio Auditor was held.  Listed below are the auditors of record in Stanislaus County: