New York Alien Residents, 1825-1848

Book excerpt: Until 1825 an alien resident of New York could neither hold nor bequeath property, but by an Act of the State Legislature, April 21, 1825, he was permitted to hold real property provided he deposed that he was a resident of the U.S. and intended to become a naturalized citizen. These alien depositions, which were filed in the office of the Secretary of State of New York, for the years 1825-1848, provide some or all of the following pieces of information: the alien's place of residence, regularly by county and often by village, town, or city, is stated; country of birth, sometimes with name of county or department, is often given; date of birth, the age when the alien arrived in the U.S., or when he deposed, is occasionally recorded; date of arrival may be found; and status of a woman (single, married, or widowed) is usually set forth, as is the name of a husband, with his trade or profession.