Norfolk County (Va.) Circuit Court

Biographical notes:

Norfolk County (extinct) probably was named by Adam Thoroughgood, a local resident, for his native county in England. It was formed from Lower Norfolk County in 1691. Norfolk County became extinct in 1963, when it was consolidated with the city of South Norfolk to form the city of Chesapeake. The county seat was Portsmouth.

From the guide to the Norfolk County (Va.) Daily Record of Providence (White) School No. 2, 1894-1897, (The Library of Virginia)

From the guide to the Norfolk County (Va.) Coroners' Inquisition on the Body of Hillary Driver, 1829 Aug. 29, (The Library of Virginia)

Norfolk County was created in 1691 when Lower Norfolk County was divided into Norfolk County and Princess Anne County. Norfolk County became extinct on 1 January 1963, when it was consolidated with the city of South Norfolk to form the city of Chesapeake. The county seat was Portsmouth.

Prior to 1906, the naturalization process was the responsibility of local and state courts. Declarations of intent were the record by which an applicant for U.S. citizenship declared their intent to become a citizen and renounced their allegiance to a foreign government. A declaration of intention normally preceded proof of residence or a petition to become a citizen by two or more years. Beginning in 1795, a person could declare their intent to become a citizen at any time and in any place after they arrived in the United States.

From the guide to the Norfolk County (Va.) Naturalization Records, 1808-1895, (The Library of Virginia)