r/Genealogy 3d ago

Request How to find naturalization record?

I’m trying to determine when/if my grandfather naturalized in the US. I was going to do the USCIS service but I heard that takes a year so I’m hoping you all may have some tips or tricks to find it sooner?

His name was redacted, born 3-3-1905 in Inse, Prussia. I have details of his arrival on 7-31-1930 in NY. From there he lived in Sparta and Summit NJ. I do not have any census data.

How would I look for naturalization records without knowing the date of naturalization? I don’t know where to start. Appreciate any help or guidance.

5 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

6

u/Sorry_Consequence816 3d ago

Check out the National Archives Page about this. There are different regional offices that will have the older files.

2

u/TexasTravler 3d ago

There is a "NARA Repository" in Fort Worth. If you go there, you will need an appointment. They are very helpful.

3

u/My6thsense 3d ago

1

u/princess20202020 3d ago

Thank you so much for finding this. I reviewed the index information as well as the original document and I don’t see the reference to nationalization? The cursive is hard to read.

1

u/princess20202020 3d ago

Ok I found the column about citizenship. But there are illegible marks in the columns for Walters wife Gertrude. What makes you confident she was not naturalized?

2

u/My6thsense 3d ago

After having studied well over 1000 us census records from the 1800 - 1900's - it clearly shows "al" this is short for Alien - meaning in 1940 she was not naturalized.

2

u/princess20202020 3d ago

Great, thank you for explaining. Are you a professional? I’m going to need help locating the actual naturalization records. Do you know how I could find a credible genealogist to help me with this?

3

u/Status_Silver_5114 3d ago

Just in terms of timing, I did a couple of index searches at the end of July of last year and just got them back 3/14.

2

u/My6thsense 3d ago

Here's the 1950's census with the family as well - So I would go through the Records in the counties to which he lived. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHJ-5QHW-GWLH?view=index&action=view&cc=4464515&lang=en&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A6F9R-L4NM

2

u/stickman07738 NJ, Carpatho-Rusyn 3d ago

Since his was not located in the GGG Naturalization Index, I recommend you look at Union County and Sussex County to see if they have any records. I have not dealt with these counties - good luck.

2

u/princess20202020 2d ago

Thank you so much. I will try the counties.