The following Declarations of Intention filed with the 7th Judicial District of Texas in and for Van Zandt County were found several years ago in two books in the attic of the District Clerk's Office by Elvis Allen of Fruitvale, Texas. He has photocopied all of the petitions and those copies are now located in the Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History. They can also be viewed on microfilm #1605631 Minutes of the District Court. For a copy of the original document, please visit the Library of Genealogy and Local History. If this isn't feasibile, copies may be obtained by sending a check or money order for $3 to the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1388, Canton, TX 75103, attention: Research Librarian. This small fee is for copying charges and postage.
Naturalization Petitions Chapman, Vincent Earl: Was born on 28 July 1882 in province of Ontario, Canada. He applied for citizenship on 07 Apr 1920. He was 37 when he migrated to this country. He was a farmer, resided in Canton. He was described as being white with "blonde" complexion, 152 pounds, light hair and blue eyes. He came from Canada by railroad to Minnesota.
Lehecka, Charlie: Was born on 31 Oct 1893 in Belcice, Austria. He applied for citizenship on 06 Dec 1915 or 1918 (Not clear) He was 22 years old, a farmer, light complexion, 150 punds, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with light hair and blue eyes. He resided at Wills Point. He formerly resided in Venia, Austria, came to American on the vessel "President Grant," arriving at the Port of New York on 28 Nov 1912. His petition was dated 6 Dec 1915.
Martin, Samuel: Was born on 17 Mar 1877 in Grodno, Russia. Occupation Merchant. He came from Lodz, Poland on 7 Dec 1895, arrived at the Port of New York. He couldn't remember the name of the vessel. He declared his Intention on 10 April 1905 at Canton. He stated that his wife was named Sarah Martin and that he had two children, Gladys, born 25 Dec 1905 at New York City; Sylvesta born 25 Aprl 1907 at Wills Point. He came to Texas 1 Jan 1896. Affidavit of Witnesses was signed by W.B. Wynne, attorney, Wills Point, and W.L. Haynes, County Judge of Van Zandt, at Canton. Granted citizenship 12 Apr 1907. Wife Sara and two children are named.
McArthur, Sidney Dale: Was born on 31 Aug 1889 in Besin DeLieve, Quebec. He applied for citizenship on 06 May 1911. He Petitioned for citizenship 6 May 1911. He was 21 years old when he first filed his Declaration of Intention of becoming a citizen. He was 21 years old, unmarried, light complexion, 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 140 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. He was a farmer and resided at Walton and also Athens. He came from Cumberland, Ontario, Canada by railroad, the Canadian-Pacific to the City of Detroit, Michigan. His petition was dismissed March 1916. Cause: Petitioner failed to _______same. (the omitted word appears to be "prosecute" but could be "execute.")
Raz, Joseph Frank.: Was born 11 Mar 1864 in Oujezdec Pisek, Bohemia (Austria). He applied for citizenship on 20 Jan 1912. He came from Brennen, Germany 19 Mar 1906 to the Port of Galveston on the vessel: Kalea. He was a farmer and resided at Stone Point. He had dark complexion, brown hair and blue eyes. He was 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 140 pounds. His wife was Barbara and they had nine children. Affidavit of Witnesses: W.H. Morrison, Deputy tax collector at Canton and C.F. Knight, farmer. Dated 11 Jan 1916. His paper work was marked "spoiled" and dated 3/8/16. (although the paperwork is headed with the spelling of the name as "Roz," the signature is "Raz," which is the spelling of the name in this area.
Raz, Joseph: Was born 28 October 1893 in Oujezdec Pisek, Bohemia (Austria). He applied for citizenship on 11 Jan 1916. Possibly Joseph Frank's son. He was age 22 when he filed his Declaration of Intention. He was a farmer, residing at Stone Point. He had light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, 165 pounds, 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Came from Bremer, Germany on the vessel: Wetlekind to the Port of Galveston on 20 May 1906. The Declaration was signed on 11 Jan 1916.
Raz, Francis: (probably another son of Joseph Frank Raz) He was born on 23 May 1899 in Vesec, Austria. He applied for citizenship on 04 August 1919. He was age 20 when he filed his Declaration of Intention. He was a farmer, residing at Stone Point. He had light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, 6 feet, 1 inch tall, 145 pounds. He came from Bremer, Germany, on the vessel: Witlekind to the Port of Galveston on 20 May 1906. His Declaration was signed 4 August 1919.
Schnurman, Max: Was born on 08 Jan 1886 in Offenburg, Germany. He applied for citizenship on 15 July 1915. He resided in Wills Point and was a clerk in a dry goods store. He immigrated to the United States from Bremer, Germany on 11 January 1902. He arrived at the Port of New York on the vessel: Korserin Maria Theresai. He declared his intention to become a citizen on 11 April 1910 at Erie, Pennsylvania. His wife was Selma Rose and resides in Wills Point. They had no children. He signed this petition on 15 July 1915. Witnesses: Earl Greer, county attorney, Canton, and L.N. Castleberry, county clerk, Canton. (This paper was marked "spoiled, 3/8/1916)
White, Henry: Was born on 14 Jul 1891 in Liverpool, England. He applied for citizenship on 06 Jul 1910. He was a farmer residing at Martins Mill. He had dark complexion, black hair, black eyes, was 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 125 pounds. He came to America from Liverpool, England on the vessel: Capella to the Port of New Orleans on 3 March 1909.
Wilderspin, Andy James: Was born 01 Sep 1890 in Elsworth, Cambridge, England. He applied for citizenship on 06 May 1912. When he filled out his Declaration of Intention, he was 21 years old, occupation Machinist, light complexion, 5 feet, 11 inches, 160 pounds, light hair and blue eyes. He was residing at Grand Saline. He immigrated to America from South Hampton, England, on the vessel: Philadelphia, arriving at the Port of New York on 27 Aug 1909. His petition was dated 6 May 1912.
Wilderspin, Frederick: Was born on 04 Jan 1880 in Elsworth, Cambridge, England. He applied for citizenship on 06 May 1912. He was 32 years old at the time and a merchant residing at Grand Saline. He had dark complexion, 6 feet tall, 160 pounds, dark hair and blue eyes. He immigrated to America from Liverpool, England on the vessel: Cowpania, arriving at the Port of New York on 11 Oct 1901. He signed his Declaration of Intention on 6 May 1912.
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