Does anyone on the list know if when an emigrant came to the USA it were required that they live here a certain number of years before applying for Naturalization? My ancestoor showed on the 1881census in England and applied for Naturalization on October 6, 1885. The 1910 USA census gives me conflicting information, stating he immigrated in 1873 (perhaps it should have been 1883) and shows he was a naturalized citizen. I've checked our local Court House to see if his papers were on file and was told a fire at the Court House in 1929 destroyed many papers. Obviously this is what happened to his papers as I've not found any records locally, in state offices, or National Archives. If he did come in 1883, how long before he could have applied for citizenshiip? I've searched for but not found the answer to this question. With appreciation for your input. Dixie R. Greenwood