District Court (Third District) Declarations of intention record books, i 1869-1895.

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. These volumes contain declarations of intention of individuals to become United States citizens only.

In the declaration an applicant vows that he plans to later become a U.S. citizen and to renounce his current citizenship. The volumes have standardized forms allowing for insertions of the individual's name, sovereign, date, andsignatures of the individual and the court clerk witnessing the statement.