Questions of citizenship and naturalization frequently perplex family historians. This week we look at three naturalized brothers for whom no actual naturalization record can be found and the reason serves to remind us that an understanding of the appropriate laws and procedures is necessary for effective family history research...

Brothers George, Theodore, and John Trautvetter all claim to be naturalized citizens in their 1900 through 1930 census enumerations. While census records can be incorrect, consistencies from year to year should be noted. Abstracts of the brothers’ entries follow:

1900
George, immigrated 1853, 47 years in the United States, naturalized
Theodore, immigrated 1853, 47 years in the United States, naturalized
John M., immigrated 1853, 47 years in the United States, naturalized

1910
George, immigrated 1853, naturalized
Theodore, immigrated 1853, naturalized
John M., immigrated 1853 naturalized

1920
George, immigrated 1853, naturalized in 1859
Theodore, immigrated 1853, citizenship status unknown
(John died in 1916)

1930
George, immigrated 1853, naturalized
(Theodore died in 1927)

Note: In the interest of space, complete...

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