AGENCY: District Court (Second District : Weber County)
SERIES: 83892
TITLE: Naturalization record books
DATES: i 1896-
ARRANGEMENT: After 1906 entries are arranged numerically by case number in sequentially numbered volumes. From 1896-1906 arrangement is chronological.
DESCRIPTION: These volumes contain documentation of the final steps of becoming a United States citizen. They include petitions for naturalization, certificates of citizenship and accompanying documentation.
The first volume contains only certificates of citizenship giving date, applicant's name, former country and kingdom, current county of residence, and a standardized statement that the applicant had produced the necessary evidence and taken the required oaths. The judge then signed the certificate.
The 1904-1906 volume of preprinted application forms consisted of an applicant's affidavit and witness affidavits, as well as a certificate of citizenship. The applicant's affidavit gave his name; current address; occupation; birthplace, birth date and age; port, vessel, and date of arrival; other U.S._residences; date and place of declaration of intention; and any U.S. military service. The affidavit included an oath of renunciation of allegiance to his former sovereign and a statement of character. Witness affidavits confirmed the applicant's statements and declared his worthiness to become a citizen. The court's order admitting the applicant as a citizen was included and a copy of the certificate of citizenship was recorded. Blanks are provided for the signatures of the individual, witnesses, judge, and court clerks.
After 1906, courts used federally provided record books from the Bureau of Naturalization. Petitions for naturalization include the individual's name, residence, occupation, birth date and birthplace; the place from which he emigrated, date and port of arrival, and vessel name; date and court of declaration of intention; spouse's name, birthplace, and residence; children's names, birthdates, birthplaces, and residences; and any previous petitions filed. Also included were the affidavits of two witnesses, the oath of allegiance, and court order admitting the person to citizenship. Later space was added for memoranda of continuances, denial of petition if applicable, etc.
Various corroborating documents may also be included: declarations of intention, certificates of military service, certificates of arrival, witness depositions, occasional correspondence, and even court orders revoking citizenship.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
APPROVED: 03/1989
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently after microfilming.
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical
This retention is based on the historical value of these records. These records are important to both genealogists and historians studying immigration.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public