History

Naturalization Records 1849 - 1929 (indexed)


Naturalizations
County Clerk Collection Number: CC.08

 Record Series:  Naturalizations: Declaration of Intention
 Sample of Records:  View sample documents
 Dates:

 1849-1964
Bulk Dates: 1849-1929

 Geographic Location:  Genesee County
 Format:  Bound volumes, post binders of preprinted forms with handwritten or typed entries and cards
 Arrangement:  Chronologically/Numeric
 Volume:

18 Volumes and 1 Cubic Foot                                                      
                Catalog of the Collecton

 Department:  County Clerk
 Use Restrictions:  Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies created.
 Legal   Restrictions:  None
 Historical Background:  The process of conferring citizenship, authorized under the Federal statute in 1790 and 1802, was among the earliest responsibilities of the court system.  Non-citizens or aliens appeared before the court presenting Declarations of Intent as well as Oaths of Allegiance, Witness Affidavits and Petitions.  The naturalization records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society with regards to immigration.  Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and to serve jury duty.
 Description of Record Series:  The collection includes: preprinted forms produced by the Immigration & Naturalization Service with handwritten or typed entries containing the following information: state, county, town, name, age, occupation, physical description, color, place born, current residence, where, when and how emigrated, spouse's name, port of arrival and date of arrival, name of king or emperoir renounced allegiance to, signature, date sworn to tha the County Clerk's signature.
 Purpose of Record:  Defined as being the initial application of an alien to the court of record in which the individual renounces allegiance to a foreign power and potentate and declares his intention to become a citizen of the United States.
 Other Format:  None
 Finding Aids:

 Index:
        Aliens Declaraton of Intention Vol. 1-11 1849-1929  
        Record of Aliens, Naturalization of Aliens Vol. 1-6 1849-1906  
        Naturalizations File Boxes A-E 1895-1964

 Related Series:

        Petitions 

 Earlier naturalization records were files in Miscellaneous Record 
Books 3-6.  The approximate dates are 1832-1849 and these 
Miscellaneous Records Books have been indexed.  For  Naturalization from 1802 to 1849 refer to the new index,  Naturalization Records which list all naturalizations from the  miscellaneous records books as well as those from the early Court Minute Books, please contact the County Clerk for assistance.

 

 Record Series:  Naturalizations: Petitions
 Sample of Records:  View a sample document
 Dates:  1896-1955
Bulk Dates: 1907-1929
 Geographic Location:  Genesee County
 Format:  Bound volumes and post binders of preprinted forms with handwritten or typed entries
 Arrangement:  Chronologically/numeric
 Volume:  8 Volumes and 3 Cubic Feet
Catalog of the Collection
 Department:  County Clerk
 Use Restrictions:  Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies created
 Legal Restrictions:  None
 Historical Background:  The process of conferring citizenship, authorized under the Federal statute in 1790 and 1802, was among the earliest responsibilities of the court system.  Non-citizens or aliens appeared before the court presenting Declaratons of Intent as well as Oaths of Allegiance, Witness Affidavits and Petitions.  The naturalization records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society with regards to immigration.  Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and to serve jury duty.
 Description of Record Series:  This collection includes: preprinted forms produced by the Immigration & Naturalization Service with handwritten or typed entries containing the following information: name of petitioner, date petition was filed, hearing date, name of citizen giving depostions, their signature, occupation, address, birthplace and age.  Information about petitioner states length of time in counrty, moral character, signature of the Naturalization Examiner and the date.
 Purpose of Record:  Defined as being the final papers submitted by an alien to the court of record requesting to become a citizen of the United States.
 Other Format:  None
 Finding Aids:  Index: Contains Naturalization Petition & Record vol. 1-7 1907-1929
 Related Series:

 Declarations of Intention

Earlier naturalizations records were files in Miscellaneous Reocrd Books 3-5.  The approximate dates are 1832-1849 and these Miscellaneous Reocrds Books have been indexed.  For Naturalization from 1802 to 1849 refer to the new index, Naturalization Records which list all naturalizations from the miscellaneous records books as well as those from the early Court Minute Books (CC.14), please ask the County Clerk for assistance. 

Historical Value: All of he Naturalization Records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society with regards to immigration. Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and serve jury duty.