Just wanted to let you know what I found on the subject: As of 1824 the basic requirements were: 1. 2 years of residency before filing a declaration of intent (this was not the naturalization paperwork only the beginning of the naturalization process) 2. 5 years of residency in the US before filing the final paperwork 3. 1 year of residency in a particular state (which may assist some in the whereabouts of the final documentation - the naturalization papers) As of 1906 the same applied although alien registration was now required As of 1921 the residency requirement to file a declaration of intent was waived. There have been many changes over the years and additional requirements/non- requirements for women, aliens serving in the armed forces, etc. but I think this may help. I have a copy of my GGGrandfathers NATURALIZATION paperwork from NJ on 11/7/1859 and it states: "...an Alien, personally appeared in open Court, and prayed to be admitted to become a Citizen of the United States, pursuant to the directions of the several Acts of the Congress of the United States of America, and the Supplements thereto, in such case made and provided; and the said Applicant having thereupon produced to the Court such evidence, made such declaration and renunciation, and taken such oaths as are by the said Acts required: It is thereupon ordered by the Court, that the said Applicant be admitted to all the rights, privileges and immunities of A FREE CITIZEN of the United States of America" This was completed by the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Essex, State of New Jersey Hope this shed a little more light on the subject.