Naturalization Records
Naturalization Records, c.1799 to c.1990.
Description: Process by which an alien acquires the rights and privileges of a natural-born citizen. Historically, individuals going through the naturalization process could file records with their state or local government due to the difficulty of travel. However, different parts of the process could be filed in multiple locations. Therefore, if your ancestor lived in York County, you may find all or only some of the records created during the naturalization process. You may also find nothing in naturalization records even if your ancestors lived in York while they completed the process.
Content: May include a petition, certificate of arrival, declarations of intention, affidavits and depositions of witnesses, oaths of allegiance and recommendations for granting or denying naturalization. Prior to 1900 there are no naturalizations for women or children. After 1900, declaration of intention may contain biographical information of the person, such as, name, age, occupation, color, complexion, height, weight, hair & eye color, distinctive marks, date and place of birth, present residence, country emigrated from, vessel name, port of arrival and date, last foreign residence, renunciation of allegiance to foreign country, spouse's name, marriage date, spouse's place and date of birth, spouse's port of entry to US, children's names, date and place of birth and residence.
Declaration of intention: A declaration made by an alien, as a preliminary to naturalization, before a court of record, to the effect that it is his intention in good faith to become a citizen of the United States.
Oath of Allegiance: An oath by which a person promises and binds himself to bear true allegiance to a particular sovereign or government.
