Sunday, March 27, 2011

New Discovery - Goal Accomplished!

We had a chance to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, so I set a goal to try (again) to find the Certificate of Naturalization for John Buckley. I had found the index card on microfilm, and have had a hard time finding the image of the original document because I didn't really know how to look for it. The index card said that John was naturalized on 4 November 1876 in the United States District Court in Boston, Mass.

The thing that caused me trouble was that I didn't focus on the volume and page number where the certificate was located. Fortunately, I had the sense to print a copy of the index card and had time to ponder what was on it. Finally, I was able to look up at home, the film number for the actual certificate. I called the Family History Library and told them I would be visiting them in three days and would like to be able to view the film. It was in the vault and they agreed to order it.

We arrived in Salt Lake City on schedule, and Friday morning I went to the FH Library. They had the film ready and waiting for me, so I placed it on the viewer, and. . . . voila!!!

Not only did I see the Certificate of Naturalization, but there was also a Declaration of Intention!
He had come into the United States at the age of 17, so it had not been necessary for him to make a declaration. What a bonus! What did I get from all of this?

I saw his actual signature.
He said he was born 23 December 1830 in Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland
He said he had arrived at Boston on or about 20 July 1846.
Two people had stated that they had known him for at least five years and that he was a person of good character. One was a lawyer and one was a laborer.

Now I hope to find his passenger information to see who came with him.

His son, my grandfather, William Buckley, filled out a passport application and stated that his father came from Ireland and was born 23 December 1830 in County Cork. He also stated that John Buckley died on 4 January 1901 in Somerville, Massachusetts.