District Court (First District) Certificates of citizenship record books, i 1890-1892.

To become a citizen of the United States, an individual normally filed a "declaration of intention to become a citizen" at least two years prior to applying for citizenship. The next step was the 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 was issued documenting the fact. This volume contains copies of certificates of citizenship issued to newly naturalized United States citizens.

Certificates of citizenship are on preprinted forms which briefly summarize the naturalization hearing and contain blanks for the date, individual's name, previous country and kingdom, and current county ofresidence:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TERRITORY OF UTAH

Be it Remembered, That on the_______day of_______in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety_______, _______late of_______in the Kingdom of_______at present of _______, in the Territory aforesaid, appeared in the First District Court of the United States, in and for Utah Territory, and applied to the said Court to be admitted to become a Citizen of the United States of America, pursuant to the directions and requirements of the several Acts of Congress in relation thereto. And the said having thereupon produced to the Court such evidence, made such declaration and renunciation, and taken such oath as are by the said Acts required; thereupon it was ordered by the said Court that the said be admitted, and he was accordingly admitted by the said Court to be a Citizen of the United States of America.

Attest:___________Clerk, By the Court, ___________Judge.

Along the margin of the volumes, the clerks has alsowritten the names of the witnesses at each naturalization hearing. The forms have not been signed by either the clerk or judge.