Arlene and List: I recently found out something interesting in researching naturalization papers while visiting in MN. The very helpful and knowledgeable fellow at the Stearns County Heritage Center said that someone applying for final papers had to prove he had applied elsewhere. Since copy machines weren't available <gr> oftentimes the "true copy" or notarized statement from wherever he first filed was filmed AT THE END OF THE ROLL the final papers are filmed on. He had found this out by accident, he has never seen it written up anywhere. At least this is true in early MN records, and in 1860's and 70's. One of my ancestors' file number was 614, we skimmed toward the end of the roll, where, in numerical order with other peoples' documentation, was my ancestors proof, under number 614. This was true for three different ancestors. One had filed in IN, one in Buffalo, NY. However, on a friend's search in 1911, (different state) the documentation is different. But it's certainly worth a look! Jean Gobel ----- Original Message ----- From: <Crowfoa@aol.com> To: <ILLASALL-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, 30 April, 1999 5:39 PM Subject: [ILLASALL-L] Re: FIRST PAPERS > Does anyone have any ideas as where the > first papers could be located. I thought if they had the final papers, that > the first papers would be filed along with them. Does anyone have any > experience at finding the first papers? > >