District Court (Sixth District : Wayne County)

This series contains documentation of the final steps of becoming a United States citizen. The volume contains only a record of certificates of citizenship issued to the newly naturalized citizen. Each form gives the date, applicant's name, former country and kingdom, and current town and county of residence. A standardized summary of the procedures assured that the necessary evidence was provided and the required oaths taken. The judge then signed, attesting to the applicant's admission as a citizen. Although courts began keeping records separately in each county after statehood in 1896, an applicant could file in any court until 1906. The volume has only 5 pages of entries, but does include an applicant from Sevier County as well as the expected

Wayne County applicants. In 1906, federal naturalization law required that an individual file in a court having jurisdiction over his area of residence, and the courts began using standardized federal forms.

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 documentation of the final steps of becoming a United States citizen.

The volume contains only certificates of citizenship. Each form gives the date, applicant's name, former country and kingdom, and current town and county of residence. A standardized summary of the procedures assured that the necessary evidence was provided and the required oaths taken. The judge then signed, attesting to the applicant's admission as a citizen. The volume has only 5 pages of entries, but does include an applicant from Sevier County.