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Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small
pconnellAug 4, 2016 9:40 AM (in response to small1947)
2 people found this helpfulMr. Small,
The passport application filed by Jennie Small was a form specifically for persons claiming citizenship through the naturalization of a husband or parent. Prior to 1922, women normally would derive citizenship through a parent of spouse. The form indicates that the husband was naturalized in the Circuit Court of Henry County, TN. These records are normally found at the county courthouse.-
Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small
small1947 Aug 4, 2016 10:24 AM (in response to pconnell)Thanks for the response Mr Connelly. I do have a copy of the Henry County court document declaring citizenship for John. However, this was in 1898 prior to marriage to Jennie around 1906. I tend to agree that citizenship was derived based on the marriage. But do you think they would have had to return to the Henry County court to authorize citizenship for Jennie? I believe she would need some proof of citizenship but so far I cannot locate the source. Guess it would be worth a try to contact the Henry County court and ask the question. I am presently in contact with the NARA archive near Atlanta.
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Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small
pconnellAug 4, 2016 11:22 AM (in response to small1947)
2 people found this helpfulMr. Small,
The date of the naturalization doesn't matter. Citizenship was automatically conferred without the filing of paperwork whether they were married at the time of his naturalization or if he naturalized prior to their marriage. When she filed the application for the passport, his naturalization certificate and marriage license would have been enough to issue the passport.
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Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small
small1947 Aug 4, 2016 2:17 PM (in response to pconnell)Thanks Kelly. So, the way I see it, the notary may have seen the proof documents ( that is the spouse naturalization and marriage license) and then allowed the signed passport application to proceed. Also it seems plausible that unless Jennie specifically requested a citizenship document from the court, there may never have been one in her name. Jerry
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