Maine, Bath, Seamen's Proofs of Citizenship - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes records from 1833 to 1868. It consists of proofs of citizenship used to apply for Seamen's Protection Certificates at the ports of Bath, Maine in 1833, 1836, 1839-50, 1853-65, 1867-68; and at Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1857-58. It is arranged alphabetically then in chronological order.This collection corresponds to NARA Publication M1825 part of Record Group 36 Records of the U.S. Customs Service.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Name of sailor
 * Age
 * Physical description
 * Home residence
 * Signature
 * Date of certificate
 * Name of official

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the sailor
 * Identifying information such as age or residence

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If your ancestor had a common name, be sure to look at all the entries for a name before you decide which is correct
 * Continue to search the passenger lists to identify siblings, parents, and other relatives in the same or other generations who may have immigrated at the same time

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Check for variant spellings of the names. You should also look to abbreviated names and nicknames
 * Look for an index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Maine.
 * Maine Guided Research
 * Maine Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.