I love when records show up in places you wouldn’t necessarily expect. This 1870 naturalization record was found in the homestead packet for Thomas France at the National Archives.
While you might not think to look in federal land records for naturalization records, it’s actually not all that uncommon. In order to be eligible for free homestead land, the settlers had to be American citizens (or at least have started the naturalization process). For those that were foreign born, they would typically include naturalization documents to show that they were eligible. Being a British citizen at birth, he submitted this to show his intention to become an American citizen.
What records are at the National Archives for your ancestors? Let us help you find out! www.CivilWarRecords.com
