This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: van Raalte, Van Ralter Classification: immigration Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.tompkins/5046.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi John, Women did not have any rights during this naturalization process in the 19th Century - only by virtue of marrying a man who became Naturalized. Once he died, she lost this right. So here is an excellent article about the topic: Women and Naturalization, ca. 1802-1940 http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1998/summer/women-and-naturalization-1.html The census indicated by you enumerated her status, as of that time. Further resources - Naturalization Records http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/naturalization/naturalization.html At the above URL see this information ... "M1674. Index (Soundex) to Naturalization Petitions Filed in Federal, State, and Local Courts in New York, New York, including New York, Kings, Queens, and Richmond Counties, 1792-1906 (294 rolls). This serves as a finding aid for New York City naturalization petitions". NARA Northeast Region: New York City Serves New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands CONTACT: For additional information, please contact the National Archives Northeast Region - New York City by telephone: 212-401-1620 or toll free at 1-866-840-1752 or e-mail: newyork.archives@nara.gov or see web site: http://www.archives.gov/northeast/nyc/ Yes, I have seen the Naturalization Index Card. The parents nor place of birth were listed. All Naturalizations had to be witnessed. The witness was either a stranger, a neighbor, an employer or perhaps a relative. He was a subject of the Queen of England, UK, Great Britain & Ireland, et al This indicates his prior country (realm) of citizenship. This is all I can write for now - I will be back in touch. Regards, Kathleen