Lawrence County, Ohio - Naturalization

Key to Libraries/Archives

 * Archives/Library Division, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio: you can visit the Ohio Historical Society and do your own research, however, they have limited hours. The OHS will also do research for a fee.
 * Chicago Branch of the National Archives, Chicago, Illinois: Research requests can be made by email or by phone. Research can also be done in person. FAQ about the Chicago Branch.
 * FS Library (FamilySearch Library), Salt Lake City, Utah: Online records can be accesssed at FamilySearch Centers and affiliate libraries.
 * Lawrence County Courthouse, Ironton, Ohio: You must call the courthouse to see what records are still in their possession. A fee usually applies for all copies of records.
 * Ohio University Library, Athens, Ohio: If the record is on microfilm, Ohio University Library offers Inter-Library Loan service. Textual records must be viewed in person at the library.

Lawrence County was created in 1815 from the counties of Gallia and Scioto, Ohio. The earliest naturalization records in Lawrence County begin in 1817 although some only exist in index form with no records surviving. These records include declarations of intention and petitions.

For Lawrence County, there are other miscellaneous naturalization records. These include journal entries about dates of declaration and naturalization. It also includes oaths of allegiance. Information in these records varies by time period. Search for the declaration and petition first, then look for other naturalization records.

By Court
Naturalization could be granted by any court - including city, county, state or federal courts. The immigrant was not required to naturalize in his county or district court boundaries but could choose the most convenient court. This court could be in the neighboring county, such as Scioto, Galia, or Jackson. After 1906, more naturalizations took place in the federal courts, but local courts did continue to naturalized. Therefore, both federal and local courts should be searched.

The declaration and petition could be processed in different courts in different parts of the country depending on where the immigrant lived. After 1906, a copy of the naturalization records (declaration and petition) were always submitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). If a naturalization record cannot be located in the records listed above for an individual naturalized after 1906, a copy can be obtained for a fee from the former INS, now called United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The courts granting naturalization to applicants living in Lawrence County included the Clerk of Court, Probate Court, Court of Common Pleas, Circuit Court and District Court. Lawrence County was in the Ohio District in 1815 when it was created. Lawrence County was assigned to the Ohio Southern District in 1855. In 1911, it was assigned to the Southern District, Western Division where it remains today.

AT USCIS - AFTER 1906
Beginning in September 1906, the federal government began regulating the naturalization process. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS), required specific forms for declarations and petitions. Only these forms could be used and the Bureau controlled the number of courts able to naturalize by controlling distribution of the forms. However, local, state, and federal courts were all allowed to naturalize. Therefore, copies of the applicant's naturalization papers were kept by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization.

The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the INS. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the INS and the court kept the stub. Additional files were created by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and are discussed on the the USCIS website.

Genealogy Program
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instituted the Genealogy Program for the public to access all records up to 1956 created by this agency, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Be sure to review the Genealogy Frequently Asked Questions website to expedite your order and ensure success in your request.

The following records can be requested online or by mail:


 * Naturalization Certificate Files (C-files) from September 27, 1906 to April 1, 1956
 * Alien Registration Forms from August 1, 1940 to March 31, 1944
 * Visa files from July 1, 1924 to March 31, 1944
 * Registry Files from March 2, 1929 to March 31, 1944
 * Alien Files (A-files) numbered below 8 million (A8000000) and documents therein dated prior to May 1, 1951

When ordering by mail, use forms G-1041 (for an index search) and G-1041A (to obtain the file). Do not submit G-1041A until you have completed a search with form G-1041 UNLESS you have a valid file number. Once the form is filled out, include a money order or cashier's check. Cash or a personal check will not be accepted. There are NO refunds for incorrect file numbers submitted or for negative results. The mailing address is:


 * USCIS Genealogy Program P.O. Box 805925 Chicago, Illinois 60680-4120