Hi Vince, Naturalization was a two-step process that took a minimum of 4 years: 2 years of residency before declaring, then 2 more years before filing the petition for citizenship, or "final papers." So, I'm guessing that the date the declaration was approved did not actually mean that the person received citizenship as well. I think the court clerk misspoke themselves. Normally, minor-aged children received derivitive citizenship through their father and no paperwork needed to be filed, so the minor petition you find is kind of unique. Citizenship certificates were not kept on file in the courts, but were given directly to the newly naturalized citizen, so the only way to find one for your person would be if a relative has possession of it. I hope this info helps. John Deeben National Archives Research Support Branch (Also a Northumberland County native!)