Help interpreting naturalization paper

[Gortinanima]

I was sent a copy of a naturalisation paper from court of common pleas of Allegheny County for a Ben Johnston a native of Ireland dated 7 day September 1872 and William Rorison of Pittsburg 9th ward was his deponent/witness.

On front page is typed Petition of Ex.  No 9. Orphan's Court of Allegheny Co July 7th 1911:
B Johnston filed Sept 7 1872.

Why the different date on front and does this mean he was an orphan?

Have found Benjamin Johnston born c. 1850 with wife Rebecca born Ireland  in 1880, 1900 and 1910 census (but not in 1920 census)  in Allegheny County,  Pennsylvania,  which I believe to be the same person.

[shellyesq]

I don't think the name Orphan's Court necessarily means he was an orphan.  It looks like the name of the court is still being used and it holds various records unrelated to orphans - http://www.alleghenycounty.us/wo/acgen.aspx

In being naturalized, people filed a declaration of intent to naturalize, and later petitioned for naturalization.  That could account for the 2 dates.  This page gives some more information - http://www.genealogybranches.com/naturalization.html

[Carlisle43]

In Pennsylvania "Orphan's Court" is just the name of the court where vital records, wills, etc. are filed.  Other states use other names, usually just the County Clerk's Office.  I am sure the term has historical reasons in Pennsylvania, but it is just one of many quirks of research in the U.S.A.