If you could post a link to the manifest or port, date, name or your grandfather, as well as where your grandfather lived in America, members of the mailing list can look at the manifest to decipher as well as show you other sources to help you in your search. As stated, first papers refers to naturalization papers. When the exact town name is determined, a search for microfilm from the Latter Day Saints will enable you to order the microfilm and find more records for your ancestors. Church and civil records where he lived will help in your search. Many times the death certificate and church marriage records will give you more information. Mary Chris wrote: > Has anyone been able to locate their ancestors 1st papers? > I was told I would have to contact the town my grandfather was born in unless he was in the military,at which he may have applied to come to the USA thru the military.My grandfathers' manifest states his residence was Schinkell..I can't find that place anywhere.Can anyone shed some light on this please. > > >