4 Replies Latest reply on Aug 4, 2016 2:17 PM by Jerome Small

Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small

Jerome Small Aug 1, 2016 3:14 PM

I am looking for the naturalization document for Jennie Small which could have been derived by her marriage in early1906 to John Small most likely in Clarksdale, MS. She resided in Clarksdale all from that time until her death in 1967. A passport application in 1911 signed by her indicates she was a "naturalized and loyal citizen" . Census records from 1910 and 1920, though, indicate alien, but from 1930 indicates naturalized citizen. Based on census documents and the passport application, I believe she immigrated to the US between 1903 and 1905. The surname at immigration was Wabik and the given name may have been Shendel, Shayna, Scheindel, or Scheine . The person in question is my grandmother. Thanks for any help.

Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small

Patrick Connelly Aug 4, 2016 9:40 AM (in response to Jerome Small)

Mr. 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.
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- Re: Looking for the naturalization papers for Jennie Small
  
  Jerome Small Aug 4, 2016 10:24 AM (in response to Patrick Connelly)
  
  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
    
    Patrick Connelly Aug 4, 2016 11:22 AM (in response to Jerome Small)
    
    Mr. 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
      
      Jerome Small Aug 4, 2016 2:17 PM (in response to Patrick Connelly)
      
      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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