Linda, If there is a "Letter of Intent" or Natualization Paper for you male ancestor in Brown County and it was filed in county court (as most were) it would be at the ARC (Area Resource Center) at the University of Wiisconsin in Green Bay. That is where mind came from. Here is the site address; AREA RESEARCH CENTER University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Cofrin Library - Special Collections Director - Debra Anderson 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 Phone - (920) 424-3347 Special Collections: http://www.uwgb.edu/~library/dept/spc.html Special Collections Request form: http://www.uwgb.edu/~library/forms/spc.html This is a common problem for people. Becoming a citizen years ago was a two step process. Where ever your ancestors were living shortly after their arrival, the MALE head of the house (only) would sign a petition called the "Letter of Intent (to become a US citizen)". This was done at the local courthouse OR local federal building. They did not share information with each other but both routes were legal. Most were done through local courts. Then a while later (time varies with the individual) the male ancestor returned to the local court (or nearby federal one) of where ever he was THEN living, showed his copy of the "Letter of Intent" and applied for Naturalization. Often these were not in the same place. Sometimes that man did not even bother with the second step so was never actually naturalized. Women were citizens only through a male until well into this century, so did not apply. Hope this helps, Rita I'm very confused! This is what I understand: the Declaration of Intent is a document that is filed in the county where the immigrant intends to reside prior to the person actually leaving their country of origin. Is that correct? I'm getting conflicting answers on exactly where I should look for these documents on my ancestors. The coordinator of the Brown County, Wisconsin website claims that the documents are held at the county level, but the county says they have no naturalization information. Is the Declaration of Intent the same as an application for citizenship? Where in Wisconsin should I look for this information? All that's left to tie the bow on my Norwegian ancestry is the ship & immigration information... how the Rasmussens & the Paulsons came to Ashwaubenon (and then to Waukechon) from Norway in 1882. Is there anyone out there who can help? Thanks... Linda