Record Series: NATURALIZATION: DECLARATIONS OF INTENTION
Dates: 1906 - 1956 (bulk 1906 - 5/31/1955)
Location: Warren County Records Storage & Archives.
Format: Bound volumes 8x14 and post binders 8 1/2 x 11 single-sided preprinted forms (produced by Immigration and naturalization Service of Dept. of Labor, later Dept. of Justice) with handwritten or typed entries.
Arranged: Chronological / Numerical
Volume: .9 cubic ft
Department: County Clerk
Legal Restrictions: None
Use Restrictions: Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies.
Historical Background:
The process of conferring citizenship, authorized under federal statute in 1790 and 1802, was among the earliest responsibilities of the our court system. In New York State, courts of records included Common Pleas and the Supreme and County Courts. Beginning with the establishment of Warren County in 1813 and continuing through 1955, aliens appeared before the court presenting Declarations of Intent as well as Final Papers i.e. Petitions, Witness Affidavits, and Oaths of Allegiance. Please note that declarations filed before 1906 are included in Naturalization Papers.
Description of Record Series:
Bound volumes 8x14 and post binders 8 1/2 x 11 single-sided preprinted forms (produced by Immigration and Naturalization Service of Dept of Labor, later Dept. of Justice) with handwritten or typed entries. Document contains a detailed decription of the declarant including: name, prior and current residence, birthplace and date, marital/family status, port and date of entry, ship's name, physical description, declaration number, statement of renunciation, notarization by Clerk of the Court, filing and certification data. Arranged date/numeric order # 1-1033; 100 per volume. Volumes may contain reference information/correspondence from the Dept. of Labor/Dept. of Justice regarding naturalization procedures. OCA # 21000.
Purpose of Record:
Defined as being the initial application of an alien to the courts 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 Formats: Microfilm (35 mm).
Finding Aids: Self-contained index with name, page number in each volume. Series location on inventory database.
Related Series: Naturalization Register, Naturalization Index, Naturalization: Petitions, Naturalization Papers, Naturalization: Certificate Receipts.