Can anyone enlighten me on what was the common practice for Foreigners (Germans in particular) becoming Naturalized in the 1870's. I have obtained a copy of the 1874 naturalization certificate (Essex Court of Common Pleas) for Louis VonderWerth which states that he "has resided within the United States five years at least, and within the State of New Jersey one year at least....". Was this time frame strictly adhered to? I also have a copy of an 1870 document of the "Intention to become a Citizen of the United States" (State of New York). This latter document seemed to have been a necessary part of the process to obtain Naturalization, as it seemed to provide the proof that the applicant had truly resided in the US for 5 years. Is this correct? At what stage did most migrants sign the Intention document? Was it strongly suggested to them to do this as soon as they got off their ship? Were leaflets given to the migrants as they arrived? Was it advertised in newspapers, or did people just find out over time that it would be in their best interests to do so? How long after their arrival would the migrants normally have lodged the "Intention documents"? I am a little surprised (and disappointed!!!!) that these documents do not state the country or origin, arrival dates, or the name of the ship that the applicant arrived on. Have I missed something? Thanks in advance, Steve. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.