Alien Enemy Registration Affidavits, 1918

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Abstract:
Affidavits for San Francisco residents, labeled Registration Affidavit of Alien Enemy [male] and Registration Affidavit of Alien Female, arranged alphabetically by surname. Summary sheets of registration affidavits collected by each police district, arranged by district and then alphabetically by surname.
Extent:
9.0 cartons (9 cubic ft.)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alien Enemy Registration Affidavits (SFH 48), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

Affidavits for San Francisco residents, labeled Registration Affidavit of Alien Enemy [male] and Registration Affidavit of Alien Female, arranged alphabetically by surname. Summary sheets of registration affidavits collected by each police district, arranged by district and then alphabetically by surname.

Registration affidavits are 4 pages in length and include the following information: name, maiden name, address, length of residence in San Francisco, birthplace and date, all employment and residences since January 1, 1914, date and port of arrival in United States, ship's name, name of person who supported entry (sponsor), names of parents, parents' birthplaces, registrant's marital status, name of spouse, names and birth dates of children, whether or not registrant had family members in arms against the US, military service, naturalization information, arrest information, physical description, photograph, signature, and fingerprints. Alien female forms also requested names, birth dates, and residences of all brothers and sisters, and languages spoken, written and read. Place and date of registration and name of registration officer also included. Some affidavits include: Notice of Permission to Change Residence; Change of Residence from One Registration District to Another; Notice of Permission to Change Residence within Same Registration District; or Memorandum from Sergeant of Police to Captain of Police regarding permission of alien enemy to travel out of the city.

Biographical / historical:

On November 16, 1917, all males in the United States older than 14 who were "natives, citizens, denizens, or subjects" of the German Empire were required to register as alien enemies. In 1918, an act of Congress included women aged 14 and older. The U.S. Attorney-General requested that the San Francisco Police Department administer the regulations under the general supervision and direction of the United States Department of Justice. Registration affidavits were filed at police district stations. Then each district sent its collected registration affidavits along with a summary sheet to the Chief Registrar. Each "alien enemy" was issued a registration card with photograph and identifying information, which he was required to have on his person at all times. He also needed permission from the local registrar to travel or change place of residence. Certain areas were also off-limit zones as deemed by the military. The Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918, and all regulations on enemy aliens were lifted December 25, 1918.

Acquisition information:
Transferred from San Francisco Police Department. Richmond Police Station on July 27, 1975.
Arrangement:

Arranged in two series: Series 1. Alien enemy registration affidavits, and Series 2. Registration summary sheets.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Alien Enemy Registration Affidavits (SFH 48), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website