Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of documents relating to the naturalization of aliens by the Supreme Court of Judicature or by justices presiding at Circuit Courts. The documents, mostly from Albany County, include the declaration of intention, in which an alien states his intention to renounce allegiance to a foreign ruler or state and to become a citizen of the United States; and the petition for naturalization, stating the country (sometimes the place) of origin and length of residence in the U.S., and requesting to be admitted to citizenship. The petition is usually accompanied by an affidavit by persons acquainted with the alien, stating that he is of good moral character and has resided in the U.S. the required number of years; and by a copy of the oath of allegiance sworn by the alien. Naturalization of an alien could be performed in any court of record, as directed by an act of the U.S. Congress passed on April 14, 1802. Almost all naturalization proceedings in New York State during the early nineteenth century took place in the old Court of Common Pleas, whose records are maintained by the county clerks.