Original late-19th-century Act of Naturalization / U.S. citizenship document for Hugo Woelfel, a native of Germany, issued by the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, California.

The document records Woelfel's admission as a Citizen of the United States of America on March 3, 1894. It states that he had resided within the United States for at least five years and in California for at least one year, and records his formal renunciation of allegiance to the Emperor of Germany.

Signed and certified by Santa Clara County court officials and bearing the embossed seal of the Superior Court.

Especially interesting are the later voter-registration endorsements preserved on the reverse. These show that Woelfel subsequently registered in San Francisco County, including:

• Registration dated July 25, 1896
• Registration dated July 20, 1900
• An additional San Francisco registration notation dated September 15, 1902
• Multiple original signatures and official registrar/deputy markings

This is particularly nice as an immigration-history document because it follows one individual from his German origins through U.S. naturalization and subsequent California voter registration.

The document has been folded historically and shows expected age-related toning, creasing, small edge separations/tears, minor staining and handling wear. Embossed court seal remains clearly visible. Overall a well-preserved and highly displayable piece of 19th-century California immigration and citizenship history.

1894

Measures 8-1/4' x 13"

Will be shipped folded in rigind mailer.