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The following archival documents trace the transition of Charles Nessler from a German-born inventor working in London to a naturalized citizen of the United States.

After leaving Europe during the First World War, Nessler arrived in New York in February 1915. Like many European entrepreneurs of the period, he relocated his professional activities to the United States, where the permanent wave technology would soon develop into a significant commercial industry.

The documents preserved in U.S. archives illustrate the individual stages of this transition, from the first declaration of intention to become an American citizen to the later passport documentation issued after naturalization.

Together these records provide a rare documentary insight into Nessler’s personal life and legal status during the early years of his activity in the United States.
 

Declaration of Intention (1917)

This document represents the Declaration of Intention, the first formal step in the United States naturalization process.

Filed in New York, the declaration records key biographical details of Charles Nessler, including his birthplace in Todtnau, Baden (Germany), his residence in New York City, and his immigration from Liverpool, England to the United States in February 1915.

The declaration also records his intention to renounce allegiance to the German Emperor and to pursue American citizenship in accordance with U.S. law.
 

 

Petition for Naturalization (1920)

The Petition for Naturalization represents the second stage of the citizenship process.

In this application Nessler formally requested admission as a citizen of the United States. The document includes additional personal information, such as details about his wife and children and his residence in New York.

Naturalization petitions were reviewed by the court and required supporting affidavits from witnesses confirming the applicant’s character and residence in the United States.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Passport Application (1923)

After obtaining American citizenship, Charles Nessler later applied for a United States passport in 1923.

The application includes a detailed physical description of Nessler as well as one of the few surviving official photographs of him from this period. The document also records his birthplace in Todtnau, his profession, and his residence in New York City.
 

This passport application illustrates Nessler’s status as an established American citizen during the period in which his permanent wave enterprises expanded in the United States.

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At the time of his passport application, Nessler was residing at 575 Riverside Drive in Manhattan, a residential area on New York’s Upper West Side overlooking the Hudson River. The address reflects his established position in New York during the period in which his permanent wave enterprises expanded in the United States.