Hi Bette, Do you know what the 3 steps in the naturalization process were? Betty FL Hello "Masugu" (et al), I found your observations regarding emigration and Prussian conscription interesting. To add further to your posting, in my own research of extended family, I found it curious that an emigrant from Pomerania, born in 1836, would enlist at the age of 28 in the American Civil War in 1864, serve honorably and be "mustered out" at Vicksburg, MS in 1865. Having served the American military effort, on the side of the Union I might add, his honorable discharged earned him automatic American citizenship without his having to complete the *three step* Naturalization process, incurred by other immigrants who did not join the American military. In addition, this Prussian (Pomeranian) born immigrant is buried in the military section of a U.S.A. cemetery while his Prussian born wife's remains are located elsewhere in the same cemetery. For what it's worth. Bette