E x p l a n a t i o n
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| The following list of aliens (foreign-born)
is based on observations of Oxford Twp. and Wyoming names in the
two most common county seats that a new American in this locality
would have applied for and been granted ("Second Papers")
citizenship. Pat Burda and I gathered the names for fun and make
no claim to 100% inclusion. If your ancestor isn't on this list,
try the sources below.
The Jones County seat and courthouse are in Anamosa, IA. Their Naturalization records can be found at the courthouse in an 1860-1904 index and volumes 1 to 5, 1861-1902. Also on LDS films 1763111,12,13,17 covering 1858 to 1941; and on the Jones Co. part of this website: www.rootsweb.com/~iajones/research/ldslist.htm The Jackson County seat and courthouse are in Maquoketa, IA.
Their Naturalization records can be found in the Clerk of Court's
office, are in several old books from which they will copy for
a small fee. Also, on the Jackson Co. part of this website: State Historical Society of Iowa Libraries in Des Moines and Iowa City have a Naturalization Index, 1842-1930. National Archives holds naturalization records,too. The laws that governed naturalization were changed from time to time, but generally, for the mid to late 19th century, an alien needed to have lived in the U.S.A. for five years, with no absences. Two years after applying they were allowed to return to court for the granting which required their swearing allegiance to the United States, disavowing allegiance to their old country, and receiving a certificate of citizenship. They were allowed to use any district court, hence several people from Oxford Township went to Maquoketa instead of Anamosa. All the names were men's as women didn't become citizens, not being allowed to vote anyway. The applications include more genealogical material, including the applicant's signature, than the grantings.
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