Series 20786
Weber County (Utah). Probate Court Declarations of intention record book
Dates: 1860-1866.
0.20 cubic foot and 1 microfilm reel
These records are housed in the Utah State Archives' permanent storage room.
Historical Note
An agency history is available.
Scope and Content
This book documents the first stage in becoming a United States citizen. To become a citizen, an individual normally filed a "declaration of intention to become a citizen" at least two years prior to applying for citizenship. Each declaration, recorded by the court clerk, gives the name of the individual, the date, and the country of origin combined with a statement that the individual has sworn his intention to become a U.S. citizen and renounce allegiance to his native country.
The next step would be a naturalization hearing at which the candidate and witnesses either made oral statements or filed written petitions and affidavits attesting to the applicant's character, worthiness to become a citizen, and the validity of statements made to the court. If the judge found the applicant eligible to become a citizen, an oath was administered and the individual renounced his former citizenship. At this point a certificate of citizenship would be issued documenting the fact.
Arrangement
Chronological, although a few were inserted out of sequence.
Related Records
Declarations of intention and certificate of citizenship record books from the Territorial Supreme Court, Series 3942, contains Third District Court records from 1859-1860 when Weber County was also part of that district.
Certificates of citizenship record books from the District Court (Third District), Series 85110, Contain the final citizenship records from the district court.
Declarations of intention record books from the District Court (Third District), Series 85111, Since the probate court had concurrent jurisdiction with the district court during this period, declarations from Weber County residents may also appear with those of the Third District Court.
Access Restrictions
This series is classified as Public.
Preferred Citation
Cite the Utah State Archives and Records Service, the creating agency name, the series title, and the series number.
Gaps in Series
This is book A. The location of any other such volumes from the probate court is unknown.
Processing Note
This series was archivally processed in October 1998 by A.C. Cone. The volume was microfilmed in October 1999.
Indexing Terms
- Declaration of intention—Weber County (Utah).
- Naturalization—Weber County (Utah).
- Emigration and immigration—Weber County (Utah).
- Citizenship—Weber County (Utah).
Page Last Updated October 18, 2012.