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AWAP 31476 - Petition for naturalization.jpg

About this project

This project is a collection of original documents filed in Pennsylvania by people wishing to become citizens of the United States. These documents have information about the person's family, immigration details, and their life in the United States.

For more information, please view the following:

Project Sponsors

Root Cellar: Sacramento Genealogical Society Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania

Need help keying this project?

World Archives Keying Standards
Project Support Article
Naturalization Originals Message Board

Project-specific sample images and form field help:

Choose a sample image from below to see the corresponding form field examples.
Petition for Naturalization
Declaration of Intention

Petition for Naturalization

Petition book

No Date of record shown

c1800 Petition

Petition

The Petition for Naturalization form type is characterized by the large text "Petition for Naturalization" printed near the top of the page. If there are other documents laid over the top of this form type mark it as a "Cover Page". There are also some older Petition for Naturalization forms that are in paragraph form. These may mention somewhere in the form that it is a petition for a named individual. They will also likely be preceded by an image indicating that the next document is a Petition for Naturalization. Use this form type for any document that looks like it could be a Petition for Naturalization. The highlights may be off, and not all requested fields may be present, but enter as much information as possible.

Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Alias Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically stated in the record.
See Example

Alias Given

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the first name and any middle names or initials in the Alias Given field. If you cannot distinguish a given name or surname, please input the entire name in this field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS GIVEN NAME and the signed version as GIVEN NAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Surname

On some records, a second name is given in parentheses or quotes. This name is usually a nickname or maiden name. Key the surname from the alias in the Alias Surname field. If you are unsure which part of the alias is the surname, enter the entire alias in the Alias Given field. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. If differences exist between the two versions, enter the clerk's version as ALIAS SURNAME and enter the signed version as SURNAME. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Alias Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Date of Birth Day

Enter the day from the date of birth. Only record the number in this field.
See Example

Date of Birth Month

Enter the month from the date of birth. Expand any abbreviation to the full name of the month, using the drop-down list to help you.
See Example

Date of Birth Year

Enter the four-digit year from the date of birth. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not Calculate year of birth from age.
See Example

Birth Country

Key only the Country of Birth, using the drop-down list to help you. While this is not a "required" field, it must be entered if present in the record.

Do not key any other jurisdiction such as City, County, or Region.

Separate multiple countries with a semicolon space (; ).

This also includes countries that were once part of a larger empire, e.g. "Finland of the Empire of Russia" should be keyed as Finland; Empire of Russia.

In some cases, the record taker may have recorded an allegiance instead of a nationality, like "Queen of England." We would drop Queen, King, etc from the country.

If you can determine the country or nationality, please record that, otherwise, please leave the field blank.

If the person was born in the USA and only the state is showing, mark the country blank.

If a country is shown as Austria-Hungary, key as seen.

If a country is shown as Austria Hungary, key as Austria; Hungary.

Do not Expand abbreviations.

Do not correct or modernize spellings.

Tip: There has been some confusion between country of birth, and country of loyalty. Use country of birth ("a native of"). Substitute country of loyalty ONLY when there is no country of birth.

See Example

Spouse Given Name

Key the given name of the spouse as it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Spouse Surname

Key the surname of the spouse if it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. Do not assume the surname from the husband's name. Key only if actually present in the record.
See Example

Children

Enter the names of any children recorded on the image. Please only enter the names and separate multiple children's names with a comma space for example: "James, Mary, John, Susan". Key surname only IF shown on children field. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Arrival Year

Enter the four-digit year the person arrived in the United States. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not use date of residing since YEAR. If no date is shown on the emigrated date line, leave blank. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record.
See Example

Record Day

Enter the day the petition of naturalization was signed. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates. However, do not use date of birth. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record. If there is no record date at the bottom of the form, please leave blank.
See Example

Record Month

Enter the full name of the month that the petition for naturalization was signed. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates. However, do not use date of birth. If no date is shown, leave blank. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record. If there is no record date at the bottom of the form, please leave blank.
See Example

Record Year

Enter the four-digit year from the date of the petition for naturalization. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates. However, do not use date of birth. If only two-digits are given for the year, expand to four digits if you feel confident in your determination of the century. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present in the record. If there is no record date at the bottom of the form, please leave blank.
See Example

Declaration of Intention that SHOULD be keyed

Declaration of Intention. Only key the Declaration of Intention from this form (bottom). Not the Certificate of Arrival (top)

circa 1800 Declaration of Intention

Declaration of Intention

This form type is characterized by the title "Declaration of Intention" right under the curved United States of America. These also frequently have a certificate of arrival laid out above the Declaration of Intention form. Do not key the information on the certificate of arrival, it will just help you distinguish this form type. There are also some rare Declaration of Intention forms that are in paragraph form. These have a sworn statement by an individual, declaring their intention to become a citizen of the United States. They will also likely be preceded by an image indicating that the next document is a Declaration of Intention. Use this form type for any document that looks like it could be a Declaration of Intention. The highlights may be off, and not all requested fields may be present, but enter as much information as possible.

Prefix

Key the prefix for the person listed such as "Dr", "Rev", "Mr", "Mrs" or "Miss", using the dictionary for assistance. If a prefix does not appear in a dictionary then key the prefix as seen. Do not imply a prefix unless specifically entered in the record.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The name as signed by the applicant takes precedence over the name as written by the clerk. Be sure to include accent marks if present (They will most likely appear in the signed version only).
See Example

Suffix

Key any suffixes such as "Jr", "Sr" or "III". Use the provided dictionary for assistance. If a suffix does not appear in a dictionary then key the suffix as seen. Do not key occupations.
See Example

Birth Country

Key only the Country of Birth, using the drop-down list to help you.

Do not key any other jurisdiction such as City, County, or Region.

Separate multiple countries with a semicolon space (; ).

This also includes countries that were once part of a larger empire,

e.g. "Finland of the Empire of Russia" should be keyed as Finland; Empire of Russia.

In some cases, the record taker may have recorded an allegiance instead of a nationality, like "Queen of England."

We do drop Queen, King, etc from the country.

If you can determine the country or nationality, please record that, otherwise, please leave the field blank.

If the person was born in the USA and only the state is showing, mark the country blank.

If a country is shown as Austria-Hungary, key as seen.

If a country is shown as Austria Hungary, key as Austria; Hungary.

Do not expand abbreviations.

Do not correct or modernize spellings.

While this is not a "required" field it must be keyed if present in the record.

Tip: There has been some confusion between country of birth, and country of loyalty. Use country of birth ("a native of"). Substitute country of loyalty ONLY when there is no country of birth.

See Example

Date of Birth Day

Enter the day from the date of birth. Only record the number in this field. If there is a date of birth recorded on the form, do not enter the age.
See Example

Date of Birth Month

Enter the month from the date of birth. Expand any abbreviation to the full name of the month, using the drop-down list to help you.
See Example

Date of Birth Year

Key the four-digit year from the date of birth. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year. Do not calculate birth year from age.
See Example

Age

Key the age IF and only if there is no date of birth recorded on the image.
See Example

Spouse Given Name

Key the given name of the spouse if it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. While this is not a "required" field, it must be keyed if present.
See Example

Spouse Surname

Key the surname of the spouse as it appears on the record, using the drop-down list to help. Do not assume the surname form the husband's name. Key only if actually written on the record.
See Example

Arrival Year

Key the four-digit year that the individual arrived in the United States. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year.
See Example

Record Day

Key the Day the record was sworn and subscribed. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates.
See Example

Record Month

Key the Month that the record was sworn and subscribed. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates.
See Example

Record Year

Key the four-digit year the record was sworn and subscribed. If this date cannot be found or determined, key from the most recent date on the card. This may be any date, including "accepted," "denied" and "rejected" dates. If only two-digits are given, and you can determine the century, expand to four digits, otherwise leave as a two-digit year.
See Example

Declaration of Intention that should NOT be keyed

Declarations laying on top of other forms are not to be keyed; if there is an uncovered petition to the right of the declaration, key only the petition; otherwise mark as a cover page. Declarations photographed solo, or in a book of only declarations should be keyed.

Gallery of Cover Pages

The following image types are to be marked as "Cover Page, Section Header, Etc"
Certificate of arrival.
Oath of Allegiance.
Court paper attachment.
Affidavit of Witness overlay on top of petition. The next image in the book will have this overlay lifted.
Affidavit of Witnesses overlay on top of petition, this one is very hard to see, note the seams. The next image in the book will have this overlay lifted. One way of distinguishing the overlay from the form beneath is that the uncovered petition will have a section reading "Affidavit of Witnesses and Petitioner", whereas the overlay simply reads "Affidavit of Witnesses."
Preliminary finding of fact.
Small overlay (a cert of arrival) obscuring petition. Do not key the Declaration of intention either.
Petition obscured by back of Declaration form. Do not key the Oath of allegiance on right.
Back of old style petition. While this does have some data, and is good to check to confirm the applicant's name, the real information is on the other side.
An index page. On this project indexes are COVER PAGES.
2nd page of Petition. This is the oath of Petitioner.
3rd page of Petition. This is where the witness signed.