Early Naturalization Records of Livingston County, Kentucky

 The first act regulating naturalization was passed in 1790 and was amended several times through the years. Many of the amendments dealt with required length of residence in the United States before citizenship was permitted. The Act of 1805 allowed free white persons to submit their intent to become a citizen as long as they had lived in the United States five years and “renounced allegiance and fidelity to all foreign power, prince, state or sovereignty,” particularly the head of the country where they were born.

Naturalization records were to be submitted to any court of record. The intent to become a citizen could be filed in one county and state and the declaration of citizenship could be finalized in another state. The following documents are recorded in Livingston County, Kentucky Circuit Court Order Books.  The record  of Thomas McCormick below is found in Circuit Court Order Book F, p. 104. 

 CirCt OB= Circuit Court Order Book

Thomas McCormick. In pursuance to an Act of Congress to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, McCormick makes the following registry. He migrated from Ireland; previous to his migration he was a subject of George the 3^rd King of Great Britain, Ireland &c. He landed in the United States in 1816; has resided in Livingston County since the 2^nd day of Decr 1816; His age is 25 years; his business and profession is a merchant. 4 Mar 1823. [CirCt OB F, p. 104] He has behaved as a man of good character. Admitted and considered a citizen of the United States of America. 5 Jun 1826. [CirCt OB F, p. 329]

William Roberts. He migrated from England and previous to his migration he was a subject of George the 3^rd King of Great Britain. He landed in the United States 1807 wherein he has resided since and in Livingston County since 10 Sep 1819. His age is 29 and his business is a tavernkeeper. 4 Mar 1823. [CirCt OB F, p. 105]

John Sheridan. Alien; migrated from Ireland in 1823 and was a subject of King George the 4^th King of Great Britain and Ireland; now renounces all allegiance to every foreign power, Prince, state or Sovereignty, particularly King George the 4^th King of Great Britain and Ireland. 6 Sep 1824. [CirCt OB F, p. 235]

John Ashworth.  In pursuance to an Act of Congress to establish a uniform rule of Naturalization, John Ashworth makes following Registry for being naturalized. He migrated from England about the 19^th of March 1820 and previous to this he was a subject of George the 4^th; he landed in the United States in May 1829 & has now resided in Kentucky upwards of 2 years and within the county 5 months. His age is 26 years; his profession & business a carpenter & it is his bonafide intention to become a citizen of the United States & state of Kentucky.  3 Jun 1823. [CirCt OB F, p. 144] John Ashworth has behaved as a man of good character attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States. He has renounced all allegiance to any foreign power, Prince, State or Sovereignty, particularly George the 4^th King of Great Britain and Ireland. Granted citizenship. 5 Jun 1826. [CirCt OB F, p. 329]

Richard Kingston. In pursuance of an Act of Congress to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization Richard Kingston makes the following Registry. He migrated from Ireland about the first of Jun 1806; previous to his migration he was a subject of Geo. The 3^rd; that he landed in the United States 1^st Sep 1806; that he has resided in Kentucky and in this county 23 months; his age is 45 years; his profession is a farmer and it is bonafide his intention to become a citizen.  4 Jun 1823. [CirCt OB F, p. 148]  Kingston has resided 1 year at least in the state during which time he has behaved as a man of good character. Citizenship granted. 7 Jun 1826. [CirCt OB F, p. 351]

John Jenkins. In pursuance of an Act of Congress to establish a uniform rule of Naturalization, he makes the following registry for being naturalized. He migrated from Island[?] about 21 Sep 1816; previous to that he was a subject of George the 3^rd. He landed in the United States Nov 1816 & has resident in Kentucky and in this county 5 months. His age is 38 years and his profession & business is a merchant. 4 Jun 1823.  [CirCt OB F, p. 148]

Richard Rowe. Appeared in court & made oath that he was born in Scotland in Berwick upon Tweed in the government of Great Britain in 1795. He left there in 1818 & landed in the government of the United States and has ever since resided with in sd. Government & for the last 13 years in Livingston County & it is his bonafide intention to become a citizen of the United States & renounces all allegiance to any foreign power, Prince, state or sovereignty, particularly the Government of Great Britain. Jesse Patterson proved in court that Rowe has lived in this state and Tennessee for 8 or 9  years & in this county for more than 2 years & he has good moral character. 9 Sep 1833. [CirCt OB H, p. 111]

James Ewing.  Made oath he was born in County Donegal Ireland in 1791 under the government of Great Britain. Left Ireland 27 May last (viz) 1837 which country was subject to government of William the 4^th King of Great Britain & Ireland, landed in City of New York in the State of New York on the 8^th day of July 1837 and is at this time a citizen of Livingston County. It is bonafide his intention to become a citizen of the United States of America. 18 Sep 1837. [CirCt OB I, p. 79]

Walter Burns, a Scotchman and alien, produced in court a Declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States … “I was born in the Island of Great Britain, a subject of the kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; I immigrated to the United States in 1836 in the 22^nd year of my age … and I do declare it to be my bonafide intention to become a citizen of same and  renounce all allegiance to any foreign prince, power or potentate whatsoever, particularly to Victoria, 1^st Queen of Great Britain and Ireland.” 13 Sep 1841  [Cir Ct OB K, p. 231]  Walter Burns (an alien) took the oaths to support the Constitution of the United States and the state of Kentucky. 21 Sep 1843. [CirCt OB L, p. 76]

Robert Shearer, alien, made oath that bonafide is his intention to become a citizen of the United States and renounces all allegiance … particularly to Victoria 1^st Queen of Great Britain & Ireland.  23 Mar 1843 [CirCt OB K, p. 619]  Proven in court by the oaths of P.C. Lander & Jas. W. Mills that Shearer has resided in the U.S. for 5 years at least and in this state for more than 1 year & during that time he has behaved as a man of good moral character. Granted citizenship. 20 May 1847 [CirCt OB M, p. 168]

John Wayman, an alien, made oath that bonafide is his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and renounces all allegiance … particularly Victoria, 1^st Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. 23 Mar 1843 [CirCt OB K, p. 619]

Frederick William Kreft, by Peter Tillman, a sworn interpreter, made oath and signed a declaration for the purpose of becoming a citizen. Kreft was born 16 Oct 1814 in the providence of Westphalia of the Kingdom of Prusia [sic]. He left there in 1843 and landed at New Orleans 1^st of June 1843; is now a subject of Frederick William the 4^th King of Prusia and has been  since his birth to the present time; renounces all allegiance to Frederick William the 4^th King of Prusia. 25 Sep 1844  [CirCt OB L, p. 226] Residence since Apr 1844 proved by oaths of P.H. Conant & Solo. Littlefield. Declared a citizen. 23 May 1849 [CirCt OB M, p. 479]

Charles Hutswede, by Peter Tillman, a sworn interpreter. Hutswede was born 8 May 1817 in the province of Westphalia; he left there 1843 and landed at New Orleans 25 Dec 1843. He renounced all allegiance to any foreign power, prince, or potentate, particularly Frederick William the 4^th King of Prussia. 25 Sep 1844 [CirCt OB L, p. 226]

James Senor. He was born 31 July 1804 in the Department Duda[?] of the Kingdom of France in the part of the country called Monballiar [Montpelliar?]. He left France in 1833 & landed in city of New York 4 Aug 1833 and is now a subject of Louis Phillip King of France and has been since birth to the present time. 25 Sep 1844 [CirCt OB L, p. 227]

Peter Tillman. He was born 2 Aug 1813 in Dusseldorf in the Kingdom of Prusia [sic].  He left Dusseldorf in 1839 & landed at the city of New York on 26 Oct 1839 and is now a subject of Frederick William the 4^th King of Prusia and has been since his birth.25 Sep 1844 [CirCt OB L, p. 227]

Lewis Martin  by James Senor, a sworn interpreter.  Martin was born 15 Jan 1801 in Mur Department in the Kingdom of France. He left the Kingdom of France in 1838 & landed in the city of New Orleans about 13 Apr 1838. He is now a subject of Louis Phillip King of France and has been since his birth to the present and now wishes to renounce all allegiance & fidelity to all foreign prince, power or potentate whatsoever, particularly Louis Phillip King of France. 26 Sep 1844  [CirCt OB L, p. 234]

George Wilson.  He was born 1807 in the Kingdom of Sweden, emigrated to the United States and landed at Philadelphia in 1822 and has resided in the United States ever since. In 1834 he was in a court of record in New York naturalized and received record evidence of the fact which has since lost in the city of Liverpool on a voyage to England. It is now as it has all the while been his intention to in good faith to become a citizen of the US. And state of Kentucky. He holds no title of nobility whatever and renounces all allegiance to every King, Prince, potentate whatever and especially to the King of Sweden and declares he will be faithful & true to the Constitution of the United States and state of Kentucky.  26 Sep 1844 [CirCt OB L, p. 234]

Thomas Croaker, an Irishman by birth, declared bonafide his intention to become a citizen and renounces all allegiance to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, particularly Victoria, Queen of England Ireland [sic]. 21 Sep 1843 [CirCt OB L, p. 80] Croker permitted under Acts of Congress to take necessary oaths requisite to becoming a citizen of the United States.  Granted citizenship. 1 Oct 1845  [CirCt OB L, p. 476]

Edward Dixon. He is an Englishman by birth & from Cumberland County & a subject of Victoria, the first, queen of Great Britain. He landed in city of New York 12^th of Aug 1833 & has been in the U.S. ever since & renounced allegiance to every King, Queen, potentate or Sovereign, especially to Victoria, present Queen of England & will support the constitution of the U.S. and state of Kentucky. 21 Sep 1843 [CirCt OB L, p. 80]

John Dick. He is a Scotchman by birth & from Aberdeen County & a subject of Victoria the first, Queen of Great Britain. He landed at New York on the 20^th Sep 1834 & has been in the U.S. ever since. 21 Sep 1843  [CirCt OB L, p. 80]

Published 28 Jan 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Lyon County, Kentucky Estate Administrators 1868

 Administrators of estate were appointed in county court shortly after a person's death. In the absence of a death date, the date of the appointment of an administrator can be used as an approximate death date. The appointment of an estate administrator was recorded in the county court minutes and sometimes in a separate administrator's bond book. The administrator was required to post bond with at least one person as surety for the faithful performance of his duties as administrator. The duties of the administrator were similar to those of an executor of a will. An administrator de bonis non was appointed by county court to administer on the effects of a decedent which had not been included in a former administration. 

The appointments listed below have been abstracted from Lyon County, Kentucky Court Order Book B (1866-1874). While the appointments of administrators are also found in the Administrator’s Bond Book, there is more information in the county court order book. The letter and number at the end of each entry refers to the county court order book and page number in which the entry appears.  [OB B = Order Book B]   [Sur = Surety]

 The county court order book and administrator’s bond book are accessible on FamilySearch.

Winfred E. Wilcox appointed administrator of the estate of Nancy L. Wilcox dec’d, decedent’s eldest son, J.M. Wilcox, having declined. Sur: R.C. Wilcox, Wm. Cash Jr & J.C. Church.  27 Jan 1868.  [OB B, p. 113]

Administration on the estate of Ambrose J. Martin dec’d granted unto Andrew J. Martin. Sur: Thomas T. Martin.  27 Jan 1868.  [OB B, p. 104]

Winfred E. Wilson granted administration upon goods & chattels, rights & credits of Celia W. Collie dec’d.  24 Feb 1868. Sur: J.M. Watkins, R.C. Wilcox. [OB B, 111]

On motion of Lizzie Henry by her attorney, John Stacker Jr, administration on the estate of Urey Henry dec’d granted unto W.B. Machen. Sur: Frank Machen.  23 Mar 1868. [OB B, p. 114]

Administration on the estate of F.M. Taylor granted unto William J. Taylor & John H. Rogers. Sur: A.J. Martin.  25 May 1868. [OB B, p. 125]

James J. Glenn, Lyon County Public Administrator, ordered to take charge of and administer the estate of Sarah N. Shaffer dec’d.  4 Jul 1868.  [OB B, p. 131]

On motion of James B. Rice, ordered that administration upon the estate of Lavinia Stone dec’d be granted unto James H. Leech. Sur: John Leech.  27 Jul 1868.  S [OB B, p. 137]

Administration on the estate of William Jones granted unto Elisha Jones. Sur: Samuel Childers.  7 Aug 1868.  [OB B, p. 139]

Mary Gregory, widow of Thomas Gregory dec’d, granted administration of Thomas Gregory’s estate with will annexed. Sur: William Jones.  24 Aug 1868.  [OB B, p. 140]

On motion of Lucinda Sanders, widow of Absalum Sanders dec’d, ordered that administration upon the estate of Sanders be granted unto James H. Leech. Sur: John Leech. 24 Aug 1868.  [OB B, p. 142]

On motion of R.C. Wilcox, administration de bonis non of Isaac N. Wilcox dec’d granted unto Winfred E. Wilcox. Sur: Robt. C. Wilcox & J.M. Watkins. 24 Aug 1868. [OB B, p. 143]

On motion of John B. Doom, ordered that James J. Glenn, Lyon County Public Administrator, to take charge and administer upon the estate of Lovey Knoth dec’d.  24 Aug 1868.  [OB B, p. 143]

Heirs of Benj. Bembray dec’d & Clairisa Bembray dec’d having filed their written declination of their right to administer on Bembrays’ estate and James J. Glenn, Lyon County Public Administrator, to take charge. 18 Sep 1868.  [OB B, p. 143]

Administration on the estate of William H. Young dec’d, granted unto John H. Turley & M.G. Young, the widow, Lucinda Young, declining to administer. Sur: John W. Jackson.  21 Dec 1868.  [OB B, p. 159]    

James J. Glenn, Lyon County Public Administrator, to take charge of the estate of John Stevens, dec’d, on the motion of N.T. Braswell. 28 Dec 1868.  [OB B, p. 162]

It appearing that more than 3 months have transpired since the death of John Lamb dec’d & no person having appeared to administer on his estate, ordered that the Lyon County Public Administrator take charge of Lamb’s estate. 28 Dec 1868.  [OB B, p. 163]

John W. Oliver granted administration upon the estate of Martha H. Marsh dec’d, as Clarisa M. Oliver, who is first entitled to administer upon decedent’s estate, filed her written declination to administer. Sur: William J. Mitchell.  28 Dec 1868.  [OB B, p. 163]

Published 21 Jan 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

More Livingston County, Kentucky Divorces

 The following divorce citations were found in the Livingston County Circuit Court Order Books (court minutes) after earlier entries were published. Allow for variance in spelling names. The order books are sometimes hard to read due to poor handwriting, fuzzy filming and soiled or stained pages.  It was also difficult to use the index, if there was one. Sometimes “Divorce” was written after the names or sometimes “Pet. Eq.” was written. More often the only clues were the identical surnames of the plaintiff and defendant (i.e. “Dallas vs Dallas”)  This resulted in skimming through the entire order book and making a list of possible divorces. 

If the names look familiar, order the case file from the Kentucky Dept for Libraries and Archives    KDLA     The cost is reasonable ($15 for out of state residents and $10 for Kentucky residents)  and a credit card can be used for speedy delivery. Divorce case files often provide quite a lot of information, especially if the parties were not natives of Livingston County.

CirCt OB = Circuit Court Order Book

 Ames, Fisher vs Zulania Ames. Divorce granted 28 June 1855. Plaintiff to pay costs and $10 allowed to the attorney appointed to defend defendant to be taxed as costs. (CirCt OB O, p. 142)

 Baynes, E.J. vs Mary Baynes. Divorce granted 26 Aug 1862. Plaintiff to pay costs. (CirCt OB P, p. 437)

 Biggs, W.J. vs M.J. Biggs. Divorce filed 30 Aug 1860; granted 5 Mar 1861.  (CirCt OB P, pp. 117, 279)

Champion, Nancy vs Berry Champion. Divorce granted 25 Sep 1841.  (CirCt OB K, p. 283)

Coker, A. vs M.D. Coker. Petition for divorce 27 Aug 1862. Dismissed. (CirCt OB P, p. 473)

 Dallas, Jubal vs Martha Dallas. Petition for divorce 27 Aug 1860 (CirCt OB P, p. 99) At least three of the Dallas children were living with families in Sangamon County, Illinois on the 1870 census.

Gwinn, John vs Barbara Gwinn. Divorce granted 10 Jan 1857.  (CirCt OB O, p. 394)

 Hinton, Eliza A. vs Hugh A. Hinton. Divorce granted 27 Aug 1862. Plaintiff’s name changed to Eliza A. Ferguson, that being her maiden name. (CirCt OB P, p. 466)

 Hooper, Laban L. vs Elizabeth Hooper. Divorce granted 21 Aug 1861. Each party to be restored to all property which came through or by them which has not been expended.  (CirCt OB P, p. 315)

 Irving, David vs Eliza H. Irving. In Chancery (for divorce) filed 19 May 1847.  Defendant not an inhabitant. Defendant warned to appear and answer complainant’s bill on or before 1^st day of ensuing term f court.  (CirCt OB M, p. 160) Defendant did not appear and appearing that she has abandoned her husband & deserted him and continues to live separately from him for more than 1 year previous to filing of this petition. Plaintiff granted divorce and to be restored to all rights, privileges & immunities of an unmarried man. 16 May 1848. (CirCt OB M, p. 351) [1]

  Leftridge, Mary vs Joseph Leftridge. Divorce granted 10 Jan 1857. (CirCt OB O, p. 394)

  Markham, M.H. vs J.T. Markham. Petition dismissed 25 Aug 1860.  (CirCt OB P, p. 89)

  Marley, James vs Sarah J. Marley. Divorce granted 7 Jan 1859. Plaintiff to pay costs. (CirCt OB O, p. 618)

 Monroe, Robert vs Mahala Monroe. Divorce granted 24 Aug 1860.  (CirCt OB P, p. 85)

 Powell, L.A. vs G.W. Powell. Petition for Divorce 1 July 1859. By agreement of parties, defendant to pay plaintiff’s attorney $25 and to the officers of the court their fees and suit dismissed. (CirCt OB O, p. 665)

 Reeves, Redding vs Ailcey Reeves. Granted 10 Jan 1857. Plaintiff to pay costs.  (CirCt OB O, p. 394)

Snow, Martha A. Snow vs John N. Snow. Divorce granted 26 Aug 1862. Property of plaintiff consisting of “three Negroes, a buggy and horse and all other property that she has, including land and personalty adjudged to her.” Plaintiff to have custody, care and education of the child, Elizabeth E. Snow, and plaintiff to recover her costs. (CirCt OB P, p. 437)

Stewart, Samuel vs Virginia Stewart. Divorce granted 10 Jan 1857.  (CirCt OB O, p. 394)

Stringer, John vs Margaret Stringer. Divorce petition of plaintiff dismissed 19 Aug 1861; answer of defendant’s cross petition continued. (OB P, p. 312)  Cross Petition: Divorce granted M.A. Stringer 28 Aug 1862. Each party to be restored to all property not disposed of at commencement of this action. M.A. Stringer to recover from John Stringer her costs; $25 allowed for her attorney’s fees. (CirCt OB P, p. 474)

Tanner, Lucinda vs John Tanner. Filed 13 Dec 1855. Plaintiff warned to appear 17 Dec 1855. Dismissed 3 July 1856 (CirCt OB O, p. 198, 219, 325)

Wadley, Philip vs Louisa Wadley. Petition for divorce. On motion of plaintiff, ordered petition be dismissed 4 July 1856. (CirCt OB O, p. 331)

Williams, Ludicia vs W.W. Williams. Divorce granted 10 Jan 1857, Plaintiff to recover her costs expended and $10 attorney’s compensation.  (CirCt OB O, p. 393)

 

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[1] Two days after David Irving filed the petition for a divorce from his wife, he filed his intent to become a citizen of the United States. A native of Scotland, he came to the United States from Lanarkshire, Scotland on or about the 20^th of July 1831. The intent to become a citizen is found in Livingston County Circuit Court Order Book M, p. 170. The naturalization intent was filed 21 May 1847.

Published 14 Jan 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Caldwell County, Kentucky Guardian Appointments 1827

 A guardian was appointed when a person was unable to act for himself or was a minor (under the age of 21 years). At the age of 14, a minor could choose his own guardian with the approval of the county court. If under the age of 14, the county court appointed the guardian. To guarantee the faithful performance of the guardian, a security was required to sign the bond, also. The following records were transcribed from County Court Order Book D (1822-1829).  

 The source for each guardian appointment is found at the end of each entry.  For example, OB D, p. 281 refers to Order Book D, page 281.  Sec: refers to the security who signed the guardian bond.

 “Mrs. Martha Hammond, late Martha Lamb, hath lately departed this life, leaving several children, infants, and since death of Martha an estate hath descended to her, or her children or her husband, as the law is and some doubt exists as to the right of succession to sd. Property. Therefore on motion of John G. Hammond, father of sd. Infants and husband to decedent, it is ordered that he be appointed guardian to Polly Brown Hammond, Betsey Jackson Hammond, Timandra Hammond …” Sec: Christopher Hammond, Solo. Stanfield. [OB D, p. 281, 15 Jan 1827]

 James Lawrence, heir & infant of John Lawrence dec’d, made choice of Samuel P.L. Marshall for his guardian. Sec: John Bradly, Morton A. Rucker. [OB D, p. 281, 15 Jan 1827]

 Bartholomew Jenkins was appointed guardian to William J. Jenkins and Bartholomew Jenkins, heirs and orphans of Bartholomew Jenkins dec’d. Sec: Andrew Ross, Saml. Harman. [OB D, p. 287, 19 Feb 1827]

 Andrew Ross was appointed guardian to his children Nancy, Elzey and Matilda Ross. Sec: Bartholomew Jenkins, Saml. Harman. [OB D, p. 287. 19 Feb 1827]

 Elisha Smith was appointed guardian to John Stevens, James A. Stevens, Mahala Stevens and Rebecca Stevens, heirs and orphans of Moses Stevens dec’d. Sec: John W. Marshall, John Bradley. [OB D, p. 289, 19 Feb 1827]

 John Prince was appointed guardian for his two children, William Henry Prince and Jno. Clark Prince, being children of Jno. Prince and Ann Prince, his wife now dec’d, formerly Ann Matlock. Sec: William B. Young, Thomas Prince.  [OB D, p. 302, 16 Apr 1827]

 Leven Hays, heir and infant of Richard Hays dec’d, made choice of Harman Hays for his guardian. Sec: Robert Jones, John Wylie. [OB D, p. 302, 16 Apr 1827]

 Jeremiah Rucker was appointed guardian to Pernecia Hays, Adaline Hays and Mary Hays, heirs and infants of Othy Hays dec’d. Sec: John O’Hara, Isaac Grubbs. [OB D, p. 303, 16 Apr 1827]

 Polly Jenkins was appointed guardian to her infant son, John R. Jenkins, heir of Bartholomew Jenkins dec’d. Sec: James Morse, Samuel Wilson. [OB D, p. 309, 21 May 1827]

 Winefred E. Maulding was appointed guardian to her infant daughter, Frances Lunetta Maulding, infant of Govey Maulding dec’d. Sec: George Boyd, James A. Cartwright. [OB D, p. 323, 20 Aug 1827]

 James Mitchusson was appointed guardian to Joseph John Doles, Ephraim Rody Doles, Nancy Doles, Barbary Doles, Jane Doles and Elizabeth Doles, heirs and infants of Thomas Dolas dec’d. Sec: William MItchusson. [OB D, p. 325, 15 Oct 1827]

John Dunning was appointed guardian to Maria Pugh, infant of Bethel Pugh, he having been chosen by sd. Infant. Sec: John Huey, Hiram Moore. [OB D, p. 342, 17 Dec 1827]

Published 7 Jan 2021, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/