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RG 21 - U.S. District Court Alabama
RG 21 - U.S. District Court Florida
RG 21 U.S. District Court Georgia
RG 21 U.S. District Court Kentucky
RG 21 U.S. District Court Mississippi
RG 21 U.S. District Court North Carolina
RG 21 U.S. District Court South Carolina
RG 21 U.S. District Court Tennessee

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Alabama)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Birmingham Division

Naturalization Depositions

This series consists of depositions filed as part of the naturalization process. These formal statements were taken in support of an applicant's petition by witnesses designated by the applicant. The records indicate the period of the applicant's residence in a certain locale and other data, including the witness's appraisal of the applicant's character. The information shown on these records includes the name of the witness, age, occupation, address, place of birth, citizenship and the period of time the witness has known the applicant.
Confederate Court

Admiralty Case Files

This series consists of case files relating to admiralty claims. They deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party is entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; and for the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage arising between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
Huntsville Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

These files were created as the court's record of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Act of 1867. This Act was the third bankruptcy act passed by the United States Congress and allowed both voluntary and involuntary filings. To assist the judges in the administration of the law, the act provided for the appointment by the court of Registers in Bankruptcy. The Registers were authorized to make an adjudication of the bankruptcy, to hold and preside over meetings of creditors, and administer the progress of the bankruptcy suit.
Mobile Division

Admiralty Case files

This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; the ascertainment of damages; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, charter parties, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
  • RG 21 - Admiralty Case Files (Mobile)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Bankruptcy Case files 1842-

    The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files 1842- (Mobile)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Bankruptcy Case files 1867-

    The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files 1867 - (Mobile)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court)

    Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.

  • RG 21 - Criminal Case Files (Mobile Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Montgomery Division

Bankruptcy Case files 1867-

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Florida)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Apalachicola Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

These files were created to contain the records of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Acts 1867 and 1898. The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Jacksonville Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Key West Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Miami Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Orlando Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Tallahassee Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

These case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Tampa Division

Declarations of Intention

This series consists of the various declarations of intention filed in the court as part of the naturalization process. These contain the following information: name of alien, age, occupation, personal description, place and date of birth, place of residence, place of emigration, vessel upon which the alien was transported, former foreign place of residence, name of foreign country, port and date of arrival, signature, and date of declaration.

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Georgia)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Atlanta Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Augusta Division

Circuit Court Case Files

This finding aid consists of cases from the Criminal Case Files series, the Law and Equity Case Files series, the Law Case Files series, and the Equity Case Files series of the Augusta Circuit Court.
Columbus Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Gainesville Division

Land Condemnation Case Files

The series contains papers from cases dealing with land condemnations filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. If the case was appealed to a higher court, then information and papers relating to that appeal were often included in the case file.
Macon Division

Equity Case Files (Circuit Court)

This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Habeas corpus case files

Habeas Corpus case files may contain writs of habeas corpus, returns, briefs, petitions, orders, and applications.
Law Case Files (Circuit Court)

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Law Case Files

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.
Writs of Scire Facias

This series consists of writs of scire facias filed with the clerk of the district court. The writs dealt with criminal defendants who were indebted to the district court. The writs listed the following: date, name of defendants, and the amount owed to the court.
Savannah Division

Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Mixed Case Files (Circuit Court)

This series consists of all papers filed in law, equity, criminal, habeas corpus, and admiralty cases in the U.S. Circuit Court in Savannah, Georgia.
Mixed Case Files (District Court)

This series consists of admiralty and law, criminal, bankruptcy, and equity cases completed through 1860, adjucated at the court in Savannah

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Kentucky)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Bowling Green Division

Civil Case Files, 1938-

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
Equity Case Files

This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Covington Division

Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878

This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
Frankfort Division

Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1866

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Jackson Division

Law and Equity Case Files

This series contains papers filed in common law proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. The equity cases usually were filed when a party was seeking injunctive relief and the court was to determine what was fair and equitable. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, and testimony. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Louisville Division

Naturalization Petitions

This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court, and related documents filed with the petition. Generally, petitions filed prior to September 27, 1906 contain the name and former citizenship of the applicant, the date of the petition, and signature of the applicant. Occasionally, names of a witness or the address of the applicant appear on the petition. Petitions filed after September 26, 1906 on Form 2204, entitled "Petition for Naturalization," contain the following information: name; place of residence; occupation; date and place of birth; port and date of emigration and immigration and vessel upon which the applicant traveled; date and place of the declaration of intention (if necessary); marital status; name(s), date(s) and place(s) of birth of the applicants' spouse and children; country of former allegiance; knowledge of the English language; time of residence within the United States and within the state of residence; the declaration of intention number; and the certificate of naturalization number. This form also includes the affidavits of the petitioner and the witnesses. The witnesses gave their names, occupations and addresses. Finally, the petitioner dated and signed the petition. Copies of the declarations of intention and certificates of arrival may be interfiled with the petitions.
Owensboro Division

Civil Case Files

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
Equity Case Files (Circuit Court)

This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also included legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings; praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Equity Case Files

This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
Law and Equity Case Files

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Mississippi)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Oxford Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
Civil Case Files

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (North Carolina)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Asheville Division

Bankruptcy Case Files 1872-1879

These files were created as the court's record of all of the proceedings undertaken in an individual bankruptcy action under the Bankruptcy Act of 1867. This Act was the third bankruptcy act passed by the United States Congress and allowed both voluntary and involuntary filings. This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case.
Civil Case Files 1938-

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be found in the case file.
Confederate Court

Garnishment & Sequestration Case files

This series consists of cases resulting from the Confederate judiciary system concerning debts and property. The garnishment cases involved debts and typically included the writ of garnishment, interrogatories to the garnishee concerning any debt owed to citizens of the United States; answers of the garnishee; and orders and judgments of the court. The sequestration cases generally involved property and typically included the petition for sequestration filed by the receiver showing the name of the alien enemy, his place of residence, and the property which he allegedly owned; any liens and claims against the sequestered property; briefs, demurrers, subpoenas, orders, opinions, and judgments of the court.
Elizabeth City Division

Admiralty Case files

This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
  • RG 21 - Admiralty Case Files (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Bankruptcy Case Files, 1842-1843

    This series consists of petitions and related bankruptcy papers filed in the U.S. District Court located in Elizabeth City. The case files consist of the following papers: petitions to be declared a bankrupt, Schedules A and B listing all debts and assets of the petitioners respectively, reports by bankruptcy commissioners relating to assets and debts, notifications to creditors of the bankruptcy petition, petitions for discharge from bankruptcy, declarations of discharge, various court orders, proofs of the publication of the various bankruptcy notices, and other papers.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files 1842-1843 (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Bankruptcy Case Files, 1867-1878

    This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files 1867-1878 (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Equity Case files

    This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.

  • RG 21 - Equity Case Files (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Law Case files

    This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.

  • RG 21 - Law Case Files (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Mixed Case files

    The case files include bills of indictment, complaints, or other papers filed to open litigation, answers filed by the defendants or respondents, various motions and pleadings filed by the parties, court orders, judgments and decrees filed in criminal, equity, law, and habeas corpus cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Albemarle District.

  • RG 21 - Mixed Case Files (Elizabeth City)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Greensboro Division

Bankruptcy Dockets

This series consists of dockets recording all of the papers filed and proceedings held in the series "Bankruptcy Case Files, 1872-1878". Each docket shows case number and style, name of the petitioner, a notation as to whether the bankruptcy was voluntary or involuntary, a listing of papers filed, and memoranda of proceedings before the Registers in Bankruptcy. The memoranda of proceedings include dates of adjudications, synopses of creditors' meetings, activities of assignees, and related matters.
  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Dockets (Greensboro)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Civil Case files


    This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court may also be found in the case file.
  • RG 21 - Civil Case Files (Greensboro)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Equity Case files

    This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.

  • RG 21 - Equity Case Files (Greensboro)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Law Case files

    This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.

  • RG 21 - Law Case Files (Greensboro)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
New Bern Division

Bankruptcy Dockets

This series consists of dockets recording all of the papers filed and proceedings held in the series "Bankruptcy Case Files, 1868-1878". Each docket shows case number and style, name of the petitioner, a notation as to whether the bankruptcy was voluntary or involuntary, a listing of papers filed, and memoranda of proceedings before the Registers in Bankruptcy. The memoranda of proceedings include dates of adjudications, synopses of creditors' meetings, activities of assignees, and related matters.
Raleigh Division

Civil Case Files (Circuit Court)

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Cases represented in this series were heard in Raleigh, North Carolina. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
  • RG 21 - Civil Case Files (Raleigh Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Civil Case Files - John Marshall Adjudications (Circuit Court)

    This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which were heard in the Circuit Court held by the Justice of the Supreme Court assigned to the Fifth Circuit Court and kept in Raleigh by an appointed clerk. The records were adjudicated by Chief Justice John Marshall and are primarily suits for damages and debts, many of which are only writs to secure satisfaction of judgment.

  • RG 21 - Civil Case Files (Raleigh Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court)

    Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
  • RG 21 - Criminal Case Files (Raleigh Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Equity Case Files (Circuit Court)

    This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Equity cases include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.
  • RG 21 - Equity Case Files (Raleigh Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Libel Case Files (Circuit Court)

    This series consists of case files concerning civil litigation against a thing or property and not the owner or claimant. A typical case file contains the libel of information, petitions, motions, warrants of arrest, bonds, orders, and judgment. The majority of libel cases adjudicated resulted from the seizure of adulterated goods or property used in the commission of a crime.

  • RG 21 - Libel Case Files (Raleigh Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Statesville Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.
  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files (Statesville)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Criminal Case Files (Circuit Court)

    Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.

  • RG 21 - Criminal Case Files (Statesville Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Washington Division

Law Case Files

This series contains papers filed in civil proceedings which may include petitions, bills of complaint, transcripts of testimony and of record, writs, answers, depositions, exhibits, motions, court orders, judgments or decrees, findings of fact and conclusions of law, cross-petitions, affidavits, decisions, writs of error, notices, summonses, mandates, pleas, praecipes, subpoenas, and other related papers. Information and papers relating to any appeal of a case to a higher court might be also found in the case file.
Wilmington Division

Admiralty Case Files

This series consists of cases relating to admiralty claims. Each case file may contain libels and amendments to libels; informations; monitions; answers; counterclaims and cross-claims; interrogatories; depositions and transcripts of oral testimony of witnesses; commissioners' reports relating to the taking of testimony; questions of account; the ascertainment of damages; orders and decrees of the court, both interlocutory and final; contracts, charter parties, shipping articles, crew lists, ships' logs, reports of surveys for repairs, invoices, and other records entered as exhibits; petitions, appraisal reports, and related documents filed in limitation of liability suits; bills of costs; notices of appeal; and other records filed in the district court in admiralty actions. The cases involved actions for damages arising from collision; for breach of contract for services or goods, chiefly based on claims for seamen's wages and materials and supplies furnished; and for fees for pilotage, towage, and wharfage; bottomry; and marine insurance. These case files deal with such matters as prizes, ransom, and military salvage; petitory suits to try title to a ship independently of possession of the vessel; possessory actions to recover ships to which a party was entitled by right; and a great variety of maritime contracts and torts. Typical maritime contracts relate to charter parties; affreightment; the carriage of passengers and their baggage, and the carriage of goods; marine insurance; demurrage; pilotage; towage; lighterage; wharfage; the purchase of supplies and repairs; salvage; bottomry; seamen's wages; and the maintenance and care of ill or injured seamen. Typical maritime torts involve collision; loss of or injury to a cargo; and personal injury or ill usage that arose between the master and officers on one hand and the seamen or passengers on the other.
  • RG 21 - Admiralty Case Files (Wilmington)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Bankruptcy Case Files

    This series includes records relating to the assets and debts of the bankrupt, the actions of the court and the Register in Bankruptcy, and the final disposition of the case. A typical case file normally contains the petition, schedule of debts, a list of the names and addresses of creditors, and a record of the amount due; inventories of real and personal property, proof of publication of bankruptcy notices, notices to creditors, oaths of assignees, orders of reference, orders of bankruptcy, final discharges, and related papers filed in bankruptcy proceedings.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files (Wilmington)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Criminal Case Files

    Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.

  • RG 21 - Criminal Case Files (Wilmington)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (South Carolina)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

All Divisions

criminal Case Files (Circuit Court)

Criminal case files typically include the indictment or criminal information, pleas of the defendant, warrants and subpoenas, proceedings before U.S. commissioners, recognizances or bonds for appearance, the judgment and commitment, depositions of witnesses, nolle prosequis, motions, orders, and other papers filed in criminal actions. Transcripts of testimony are also sometimes included. Criminal cases include charges of crimes committed on federal property, conspiracy to violate a person's civil rights, making liquor or tobacco products without paying the correct government tax, cutting timber on public lands, various crimes involving the mail or U.S. post offices, shooting protected migratory birds, failure to register for the draft, forgery, counterfeiting, election fraud, internal revenue violations, and other federal crimes.
  • RG 21 - Criminal Case Files (All Divisions Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
    • Charleston Division

    Bankruptcy Case Files

    The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.

  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files (Charleston)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Equity Case files (Circuit Court)

    This series consists of equity case files, usually involving disputes over property rights. The cases consist of matters where a party was seeking injunctive relief and relied on the court to determine what was fair and equitable. Many of the cases were filed to resolve patent or copyright infringements. Equity cases also include legal matters not covered by statute or requiring proceedings before a jury, such as filings of assignees and trustees, who were seeking to recover certain properties from defendants' bankruptcy cases. The case files may include the following types of records: bills in equity, supplemental bills, bills of complaint, affidavits, agreements, answers, amended answers, bonds, decrees, demurrers, depositions, exhibits, injunctions, joinders, motions for injunctions, motions for extensions of time, motions to dismiss complaints, notices of appeals and motions, opinions, orders including orders of referral, orders on motions and petitions, and orders overruling demurrers; petitions including petitions for restraining order, petitions for rules to show cause, petitions to distribute assets, petitions to produce documents and petitions to stay proceedings, praecipes, proofs of service, replications, reports of special masters, rules for attachment, stipulations, subpoenas, testimony, warrants and writs of certiorari.

  • RG 21 - Equity Case Files With Final Decree (Charleston Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
  • RG 21 - Equity Case Files Without Final Decree (Charleston Circuit Court)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Petitions for Naturalization

    This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina. Generally, petitions filed prior to September 27, 1906 contain the name and former citizenship of the applicant, the date of the petition, and the signature of the applicant. Most petitions include the petitioner's occupation and country of origin prior to immigration. Occasionally, names of a witness or the address of the applicant appear on the petition.

  • RG 21 - Petitions for Naturalization (Charleston)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

RG 21 - U.S. District Courts (Tennessee)

Serve as the trial courts of general federal jurisdiction.

Nashville Division

Bankruptcy Case Files

The case files contain the petition for bankruptcy, various schedules, and related papers, including petitions for discharge, orders of reference, proofs of publication and notices to creditors, reports by commissioners, schedules containing inventories of bankrupt assets, appointments, declarations of discharge, final certificates, and record of payment of costs.
  • RG 21 - Bankruptcy Case Files (Nashville)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]

    • Petitions for Naturalization

    This series consists of petitions for naturalization or citizenship filed in federal court, and related documents filed with the petition. Petitions filed after September 26, 1906 on Form 2204, entitled "Petition for Naturalization," contain the following information: name; place of residence; occupation; date and place of birth; port and date of emigration and immigration and vessel upon which the applicant traveled; date and place of the declaration of intention (if necessary); marital status; name(s), date(s) and place(s) of birth of the applicants' spouse and children; country of former allegiance; knowledge of the English language; time of residence within the United States and within the state of residence; the declaration of intention number; and the certificate of naturalization number. This form also includes the affidavits of the petitioner and the witnesses.

  • RG 21 - Petitions for Naturalization (Nashville)[Download Excel Spreadsheet]
Winchester Division

Petitions for Naturalization

These petitions were instruments by which aliens who had resided in the United States continuously for at least five years made formal application to the court to grant U.S. citizenship. The court used the information on the petition to determine whether the petition should be granted or denied.

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