This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jameswcastellan Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.westchester/7224.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I think this affidavit was to confirm the son's status as a US citizen who appears to have been in Germany in 1877. If the son was a minor at the time the father naturalized or born after the father naturalized, then he would have been a US citizen. This may have allowed the son to avoid any German military service required of German males at this time and be free to return to the US. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.