seriesNo,seriesEntityName,seriesTitle,seriesDateRange,seriesArrangement,seriesDescription,seriesTotRetentDesc,seriesPrimaryClassCode,seriesExtentDesc
85177,District Court (Fifth District : Beaver County),Naturalization record books,i 1896-1940.,Chronological by filing date.,"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 standardized certificates of citizenship and any supporting petitions or documentation required.",,Public,3 microfilm reels