Iowa, Jasper County Naturalization Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection includes naturalization records for Jasper County, Iowa, from 1848 to 1921. The documents include Arrival Certificates, Declarations of Intent, Oaths of Allegiance, Naturalization Orders, Petitions for Naturalization, and Residence Witness Statements.

Additional records are available on microfilm at the Family History Library and at family history centers. Please check the Family History Library Catalog for details about records on microfilm.

What Can these Records Tell Me?
Arrival Certificates: these documents identify when the person arrived in America. They may include:
 * Name of person
 * Port of arrival
 * Date of arrival
 * Vessel name
 * Date that certificate of arrival was issued

Declarations of Intent: these documents identify the person who’s requesting naturalization. They may include:
 * County and state of residence
 * Name, age, and occupation of person requesting naturalization
 * Physical description: race, complexion, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and distinctive marks
 * Birth city, country, and date
 * Immigration information: departure country, vessel, arrival port, and date of arrival
 * Actual signature of applicant

Oaths of Allegiance: these documents show that the applicant swears his allegiance to the United States. They may include:
 * Applicant’s name
 * Name of country renouncing
 * Date signed
 * Witness’s names, occupations, and residences

Naturalization Orders: these legal documents can include:
 * Name of applicant
 * Date

Petitions for Naturalization:
 * Name of applicant
 * County/state of residence
 * Occupation
 * Birth date and place
 * Immigration information: city and country of origin, date of arrival, port of arrival, and vessel name
 * Wife’s name, birthplace, current residence, number of children
 * Name, birth date, birthplace, and place of residence of each child
 * Date that applicant started living in the United States
 * Applicant’s signature
 * List of witnesses, including names, occupations, residences, signatures, and dates signed

Residence Witness Statements: these court documents may include:
 * Name of witnesses
 * Name of naturalization applicant
 * Dates of residence of naturalization applicant
 * Dates of statements

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the naturalized person
 * Approximate year of naturalization
 * County of residence

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the  Record Type
 * 2) Select the  Volume to view the 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.

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

 * Use the information found in the record to find a ship’s manifest.
 * Search for vital records such as birth, marriage, and death
 * 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 you are looking for are listed and have additional information or leads

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, or even initials
 * 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.
 * Check other possible ports of entry

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Iowa.
 * Iowa Guided Research
 * Iowa Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

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.