NATURALIZATIONS OF ERIE COUNTY, PA: DECLARATION OF INTENTION PAPERS 1907-1927. 2004 Compiled by Andrea Owen, Published by The Erie Society for Genealogical Research. This book is a follow-up to the original book of Erie County naturalizations published by ESGR in 1983, which covered all the types of papers filed in Erie County from 1825 through 1906. This book covers the "Declaration of Intention" papers filed in Erie County from May 15, 1907 through October 17, 1927. These papers consisted of 16 large volumes, of which Volume 1 is, unfortunately, lost and is not included in this book. These papers were the first of three papers required to obtain naturalization for this time period and were known as "First Papers".

In general, two years of residency after immigration was required to file the Declaration of Intention. Then usually three years later the Petition could be filed. The Petition was often called the "Preliminary Petition" and then the Naturalization Final Certificate was issued after all requirements were fulfilled. There were times when the next steps were not taken or they occurred at a different place, therefore, not all people listed in these declarations show up in Erie County records as having been naturalized. The first two papers contain the most information and hence are the most valuable to researchers. It is felt, that since there is included in these records such a wealth of information about the applicants, these records are extremely valuable and helpful to those doing family history whether or not the applicant ever obtained their naturalization. Information includes: name, birthdate, age, weight, hair/eyes/distinguishing marks, occupation, vessel name, date of arrival, current residence, birthplace, last county residing in, spouse, spouse birthplace/residence and volume in which it is recorded. 372 pages, 14 x 11 Hardbound (also available in softbound) LOC 2004115253