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California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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m (Text replacement - "[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/719682 Loretto Dennis Szucs, ''They became Americans: finding naturalization records and ethnic origins.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, c1998 FS Library 973 P47t]" to "Loretto Dennis Szucs, ''They became Americans: finding naturalization records and ethnic origins.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1998. {{FSC|719682|title-id|disp=FS Library book 973 P47t}}")
 
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{{FamilySearch_Collection
{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[California, United States Genealogy|California]]
}}
{{US NARA HR Infobox
|CID=CID1849628  
|CID=CID1849628  
|title=California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976
|title=California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976
|location=United States}}<br>
|location=California
 
| LOC_01 = California
== Record Description ==
| LOC_02 =
 
| LOC_03 =
This collection is a card index to naturalization records in the circuit and district courts of California. The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname.  
| record_type = Naturalization Index
 
| record_group_nr = 21 
The actual naturalization volumes vary in size and format. Prior to the late 1800s each document was usually handwritten on one page. From the late 1800s and on, printed forms were used. After 1906, many entries were typewritten.  
| record_group_title = [http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/021.html Records of the District Courts of the United States]
| start_year = 1915
| end_year = 1976
| alt_flag = Flag_of_the_United_States_(1912-1959).jpg
| alt_flag_desc = US Flag 1912-1959 (48 stars)
| micro_pub_nr =M1525
| micro_pub_title = Naturalization Index Cards of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division, Los Angeles, 1915-1976 
| micro_pub_rolls = 114
| micro_pub_nr_02 =
| micro_pub_title_02 =
| micro_pub_rolls_02 =
| micro_pub_nr_03 =
| micro_pub_title_03 =
| micro_pub_rolls_03 =
| micro_pub_nr_04 =
| micro_pub_title_04 =
| micro_pub_rolls_04 =
| coll_series =
| arrangement = Alphabetical in two parts. Part A 1915-1930 and Part B 1930-1976. 
| NAID =[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/618115 618115]
| FS_URL_01 = [[GuidedResearch:California|California Guided Research]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[California_Research_Tips_and_Strategies#California_Record_Finder|California Record Finder]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[California Research Tips and Strategies]]
| FS_URL_04 = Step-by-Step Research: [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1850-1905|1850-1905]] {{!}} [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1905-Present|1905-Present]]
| FS_URL_05 = [[California, United States Genealogy |California]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[United States Naturalization and Citizenship]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[California Naturalization and Citizenship]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[United States Naturalization Laws]]
| FS_URL_09 = [[Beginning Research in United States Naturalization Records]]
| FS_URL_10 = [[United States Naturalization Types]]
| FS_URL_11 = [[Naturalization Terms and Acronyms]]
| FS_URL_12 = [[Tracing Immigrants Arrival Naturalization and Citizenship]]
| FS_URL_13 =
| FS_URL_14 =
| FS_URL_15 =
| Coverage =
| Inventory =
| DFNL =
| RW_URL_01 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/618115?q=m1525 Index to Petitions for Naturalization,1887-1991 National Archives] 
| RW_URL_02 = [http://www.archives.gov/riverside/finding-aids/naturalization-records.html Naturalization Records Pacific Region]
| RW_URL_03 = [http://www.archives.gov/riverside/ National Archives Pacific Region]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/naturalization/ National Archives Naturalization Records Introduction and Links to Resources]
| RW_URL_05 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/naturalization/420-major-immigration-laws.pdf Immigration and Naturalization Laws,1790-2005]
| RW_URL_06 = [http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/usa/naturalizations.shtml California indexes to Naturalization]
| RW_URL_07 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization/history-dec-of-intent History of the Declaration of Intention (1795–1952)]
| RW_URL_08 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization/history-cert-of-naturalization History of the Certificate of Naturalization, 1790–1956]
| RW_URL_09 =
| RW_URL_10 =  
}}
== What is in This Collection? ==
This collection is a card index to the Superior Court of San Diego naturalization records in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles) of California. The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname in two parts. Part A 1915 -1930 and Part B 1930 -1976. The actual naturalization volumes vary in size and format. Prior to the late 1800s each document was usually handwritten on one page. From the late 1800s and on, printed forms were used. After 1906, many entries were typewritten. '''[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/594890  For the petitions covered in this index see National Archives NAID 594890  Central District Petitions for Naturalization, 1887-1991.]'''


While there were various types of naturalization records, the Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petition usually had the most complete genealogical information.  
While there were various types of naturalization records, the Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petition usually had the most complete genealogical information.  


Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. California’s counties recorded naturalization procedures in the court records as legal proof of citizenship. The courts handling naturalizations changed several times so the card index was created as a way to quickly access specific records.&nbsp;
Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. California’s counties recorded naturalization procedures in the court records as legal proof of citizenship. The courts handling naturalizations changed several times so the card index was created as a way to quickly access specific records.


The index is very accurate and the information that was current at the time of naturalization was usually reliable. However, there was always a chance for misinformation. Errors may have occurred because of the informant’s lack of knowledge or because of transcription errors or other circumstances.&nbsp;
The index is very accurate and the information that was current at the time of naturalization was usually reliable. However, there was always a chance for misinformation. Errors may have occurred because of the informant’s lack of knowledge or because of transcription errors or other circumstances.


The first naturalization act was passed in 1802. Immigrants to the United States were not required to apply for citizenship. Of those who did apply, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship.  
The first naturalization act was passed in 1802. Immigrants to the United States were not required to apply for citizenship. Of those who did apply, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship.  
Line 22: Line 79:
No centralized files existed before 1906. In 1906 federal forms replaced the various formats that had been used by the various courts. Copies were sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), creating a central file for naturalization papers. The INS is now known as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  
No centralized files existed before 1906. In 1906 federal forms replaced the various formats that had been used by the various courts. Copies were sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), creating a central file for naturalization papers. The INS is now known as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  


Naturalization records are generally well preserved, but some records may have been lost to fire or other disasters.
{{HR Add}}
 
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
For an alphabetical list of records currently published in this collection, select the [https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A//api.familysearch.org/records/collection/1849628/waypoints Browse] link from the collection landing page.
{{Image Visibility}}
 
=== To Browse This Collection ===  
=== Citation for This Collection ===
{{Collection_Browse_Link
 
|CID=CID1849628
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.<br>
|title=California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976
 
|}}
{{Collection citation
| text=<!--bibdescbegin-->United States District Court. California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, United States National Archives and Records Service, Los Angeles Regional Archives Branch, California.<!--bibdescend-->}}  
 
[[California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]
 
== Record Content  ==
 
'''The index cards include the following:'''
 
[[Image:California Naturalization Index Cards of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California Central Division (Los Angeles) (10-0400) DGS 4640797 6.jpg|thumb|right]]


== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
{{col-begin|width=75%}}
{{col-break}}
'''The index cards''' include the following:
*Petition number  
*Petition number  
*Date of petition  
*Date of petition  
*Name and residence of petitioner
*Volume and page number of the petition
*Volume and page number of the petition
'''Some of the index cards also show:'''
*Declaration number  
*Declaration number  
*Date of declaration  
*Date of declaration  
*Alien registration number
*Volume and page number of the declaration  
*Volume and page number of the declaration  
*Certification number  
*Certificate number  
*Date of issuance
*Date of issuance
 
{{col-break}}
'''Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petitions usually included the following:'''
'''Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petitions''' usually included the following:  
 
*Name of the immigrant  
*Name of the immigrant  
*Country of birth  
*Country of birth  
Line 61: Line 110:
*Names of witnesses  
*Names of witnesses  
*Signature of judge or court official
*Signature of judge or court official
 
{{col-break}}
'''In post-1906 records, you may also find:'''
'''In post-1906 records,''' you may also find:  
 
*Birth date  
*Birth date  
*Birthplace  
*Birthplace  
Line 70: Line 118:
*Last foreign residence  
*Last foreign residence  
*Current residence  
*Current residence  
*Arrival place  
*Arrival date and place  
*Marital status  
*Marital status  
*Name of spouse  
*Name of spouse  
*Maiden name of wife  
*Maiden name of wife
*Birth date of spouse
{{col-end}}
*Residence of spouse
== Collection Content  ==
 
=== Sample Image ===
== How to Use the Record ==
<gallery widths="160px" heights="120px" perrow="3">
 
Image:California Naturalization Index Cards of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California Central Division (Los Angeles) (10-0400) DGS 4640797 6.jpg|Naturalization Index Card 1961
To search the collection, you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒ Select the “Browse through images" link on the initial collection page<br>⇒ Select the “Description ” category which takes you to the images.
</gallery>
 
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==
Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:  
 
*The full name of your ancestor
Begin your search by finding your ancestors in the card index. Name indexes make it possible to access a specific record quickly. Check the index for the surname and then the given name. You may need to look at many cards to find the one you are seeking. Remember that these indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.  
*The approximate immigration and naturalization dates
 
When searching the index it is helpful to know the following:  
 
*The full name of your ancestor  
*The approximate immigration and naturalization dates  
*The ancestor’s residence
 
If you do not know this information, check the 1900 census and then calculate the possible year of naturalization based on the date of immigration. The 1920 census may tell you the exact year of immigration or naturalization.  
If you do not know this information, check the 1900 census and then calculate the possible year of naturalization based on the date of immigration. The 1920 census may tell you the exact year of immigration or naturalization.  
=== Search the Index ===
{{Search Collection Link
| CID=CID1849628
}}
=== View the Images ===
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1849628
| browse_1 = Description
| browse_2 =
| browse_3 = 
| browse_4 = 
| browse_5 = 
| browse_6 =  }}
{{HR Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1849628 California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976]. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.}}
=== How Do I Analyze the Results? ===
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log | research log]].
== What Do I Do Next? ==
Indexes and transcriptions may not include all the data found in the original records. Look at the actual image of the record, if you can, to verify the information and to find additional information. 
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
*Add any new information to your records
*Use the record to learn the place of origin and find vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage
*Use the information found in the record to find land and probate records
*Use the record to see if other family members who may have immigrated with the person
*Search for the family in census records
=== I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now? ===
*If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county 
*Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
*Remember that sometimes individuals went by [http://usgenweb.org/research/nicknames.html nicknames] or alternated between using first and middle names. 
*Look for the Declaration of Intent soon after the immigrant arrived. Then look for the Naturalization Petition five years later, when the residency requirement would have been met. Look for naturalization records in federal courts, then in state, county, or city courts. An individual may have filed the first and final papers in different courts and sometimes in a different state if the person moved. Immigrants who were younger than 18 when they arrived did not need to file a Declaration of Intent as part of the process
=== Research Helps ===
The following articles will help you research your family in the state of [[California, United States Genealogy|California]].
* [[Beginning Research in United States Naturalization Records]]
* [[GuidedResearch:California|California Guided Research]]
* [[California Research Tips and Strategies]]
* Step-by-Step Research: [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1850-1905|1850-1905]] {{!}} [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1905-Present|1905-Present]]


Use the locator information found in the index (such as name of court, page, entry, or certificate number) to locate your ancestors in the records. Compare the information in the record to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct person. You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination.
== Other FamilySearch Collections ==
 
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family.
 
For example, you can use naturalization records to:
 
*Learn an immigrant’s place of origin
*Confirm their date of arrival
*Learn foreign and “Americanized” names
*Find records in his or her country of origin such as emigrations, port records, or ship’s manifests
 
You may also find these tips helpful:
 
*Look for the Declaration of Intent soon after the immigrant arrived, then look for the Naturalization Petition five years later, when the residency requirement would have been met. Look for naturalization records in federal courts and then in state, county, or city courts.
*An individual may have filed the first and final papers in different courts and sometimes in a different state if the person moved. Immigrants who were younger than 18 when they arrived did not need to file a Declaration of Intent as part of the process.
*If your ancestor had a common name, be sure to look at all the entries for a name before you decide which is correct.
*Continue to search the naturalization records to identify siblings, parents, and other relatives in the same or other generations who may have naturalized in the same area or nearby.
*The witnesses named on naturalization records may have been older relatives of the person in the naturalization process. Search for their naturalization's.
*You may want to obtain the naturalization records of every person who shares your ancestor’s surname if they lived in the same county or nearby. You may not know how or if they are related, but the information could lead you to more information about your own ancestors.
 
If you do not find the name you are looking for, try the following:
 
*Check for variant spellings. Realize that the indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings and misinterpretations.
*Try a different index if there is one for the years needed. You may also need to search the naturalization records year by year.
*Search the indexes of nearby counties.
 
== Related Websites  ==
 
*[http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/usa/naturalizations.shtml California indexes to Naturalization]
*[http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/naturalization/ National Archives and Records Administration Pacific Region]
 
== Related Wiki Articles  ==
 
*[[California]]
*[[California Naturalization and Citizenship]]
 
== Contributions to This Article  ==
 
{{Contributor invite}}


== Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections ==
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
*John J Newman, ''American Naturalization Records, 1790-1990: what they are and how to use them.'' Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998. {{FSC|736837|title-id|disp=FS Library book 973 P47na}}
   
*Loretto Dennis Szucs, ''They became Americans: finding naturalization records and ethnic origins.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1998. {{FSC|719682|title-id|disp=FS Library book 973 P47t}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/531573 Southern District. Central Division. General card index to naturalized citizens, 1915-1978. M1525]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/235352 Southern District. Declarations of intention, 1927-1948.]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/532074 Index cards to overseas military petitions of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles), 1943-45, 1954, 1955-56: M1606]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/439348 Naturalization records of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles), 1887-1940 ; index to naturalization records of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division, Los Angeles, 1887-1937 M1524 and M1607]


When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.
=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
*{{RecordSearch|2125028|California County Naturalizations, 1831-1985}}


A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article [[Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections]].
=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/2246882 Historical Records Survey, California. ''Inventory of federal archives in the states, series 02, Federal Courts, no. 05, California'' (1939-1941)]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/383607 James C. Neagles and Lila Lee Neagles. ''Locating your immigrant ancestor : a guide to naturalization records'' Rev. ed. Logan, Utah : Everton Publishers, c1986]


=== Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection ===
== Citing This Collection ==
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found.  Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.
{{Collection citation}}
{{Record_Citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}


"California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976," images. ''FamilySearch ''([https://www.familysearch.org/ https://familysearch.org]: accessed AprilL 15, 2011), &nbsp; 1930-1976, Avila, Antonio V., Baolwin, Supreda &gt; Image 36 of 3981 &gt; Elena Candida Avila, &nbsp;March 10, 1919; citing Naturalization Records;. United States National Archives and Records Center, Los Angeles Branch NARA M1525.


[[Category:California]]
[[Category:NARA_Naturalization_and_Citizenship_Records]]
[[es:California, tribunal de distrito sur (central), índice de naturalización (Registros históricos de FamilySearch)]]

Latest revision as of 08:28, 3 June 2024

Access the Records
California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976
CID1849628
{{{CID2}}}
{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
{{{CID6}}}
{{{CID7}}}
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{{{CID9}}}
This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
California,
United States
United States flag.png
Flag of the United States of America
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).jpg
US Flag 1912-1959 (48 stars)
NARA logo circular black on white.jpg
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
Record Description
Record Type Naturalization Index
Record Group RG 21: Records of the District Courts of the United States
Collection years 1915-1976
Microfilm Publication M1525. Naturalization Index Cards of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division, Los Angeles, 1915-1976. 114 rolls.
Arrangement Alphabetical in two parts. Part A 1915-1930 and Part B 1930-1976.
National Archives Identifier 618115
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?

This collection is a card index to the Superior Court of San Diego naturalization records in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles) of California. The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname in two parts. Part A 1915 -1930 and Part B 1930 -1976. The actual naturalization volumes vary in size and format. Prior to the late 1800s each document was usually handwritten on one page. From the late 1800s and on, printed forms were used. After 1906, many entries were typewritten. For the petitions covered in this index see National Archives NAID 594890 Central District Petitions for Naturalization, 1887-1991.

While there were various types of naturalization records, the Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petition usually had the most complete genealogical information.

Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. California’s counties recorded naturalization procedures in the court records as legal proof of citizenship. The courts handling naturalizations changed several times so the card index was created as a way to quickly access specific records.

The index is very accurate and the information that was current at the time of naturalization was usually reliable. However, there was always a chance for misinformation. Errors may have occurred because of the informant’s lack of knowledge or because of transcription errors or other circumstances.

The first naturalization act was passed in 1802. Immigrants to the United States were not required to apply for citizenship. Of those who did apply, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship.

Naturalization to become a U.S. citizen was a two-part process: the Declaration of Intent to Naturalize, or First Papers, and the Naturalization Record (including the Naturalization Petition), or Final Papers. The First Papers were normally filed five years before the Final Papers because of the five-year residency requirement to become a citizen.

No centralized files existed before 1906. In 1906 federal forms replaced the various formats that had been used by the various courts. Copies were sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), creating a central file for naturalization papers. The INS is now known as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Index and Image Visibility

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

To Browse This Collection

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The index cards include the following:

  • Petition number
  • Date of petition
  • Name and residence of petitioner
  • Volume and page number of the petition
  • Declaration number
  • Date of declaration
  • Alien registration number
  • Volume and page number of the declaration
  • Certificate number
  • Date of issuance

Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petitions usually included the following:

  • Name of the immigrant
  • Country of birth
  • Arrival date
  • Date of Declaration of Intent or Naturalization
  • Names of witnesses
  • Signature of judge or court official

In post-1906 records, you may also find:

  • Birth date
  • Birthplace
  • Age
  • Race
  • Last foreign residence
  • Current residence
  • Arrival date and place
  • Marital status
  • Name of spouse
  • Maiden name of wife

Collection Content

Sample Image

  • Naturalization Index Card 1961

    Naturalization Index Card 1961

How Do I Search This Collection?

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The full name of your ancestor
  • The approximate immigration and naturalization dates

If you do not know this information, check the 1900 census and then calculate the possible year of naturalization based on the date of immigration. The 1920 census may tell you the exact year of immigration or naturalization.

Search the Index

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches

View the Images

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select Description to view the images
Tip
 More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?

Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?

Indexes and transcriptions may not include all the data found in the original records. Look at the actual image of the record, if you can, to verify the information and to find additional information.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Use the record to learn the place of origin and find vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage
  • Use the information found in the record to find land and probate records
  • Use the record to see if other family members who may have immigrated with the person
  • Search for the family in census records

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

  • If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
  • If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
  • Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
  • Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names.
  • Look for the Declaration of Intent soon after the immigrant arrived. Then look for the Naturalization Petition five years later, when the residency requirement would have been met. Look for naturalization records in federal courts, then in state, county, or city courts. An individual may have filed the first and final papers in different courts and sometimes in a different state if the person moved. Immigrants who were younger than 18 when they arrived did not need to file a Declaration of Intent as part of the process

Research Helps

The following articles will help you research your family in the state of California.

Other FamilySearch Collections

These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

  • John J Newman, American Naturalization Records, 1790-1990: what they are and how to use them. Bountiful, Utah: Heritage Quest, 1998. FS Library book 973 P47na

FamilySearch Historical Records

FamilySearch Digital Library

Citing This Collection

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
Image Citation:
When looking at an image, the citation is found on the Information tab at the bottom left of the screen.
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