If your relative was an immigrant who naturalized, who witnessed that naturalization? Witnesses typically indicated they knew the applicant for a specific amount of time before the naturalization. However, sometimes they may have been less than honest when making such statements. The assumption is that they are reasonably telling the truth until it can be shown that they are not. The witnesses were typically other citizens (native-born or naturalized) who were of the legal age of majority at the time they vouched for the applicant. It’s very possible that the naturalization witnesses were fellow immigrants, former neighbors, or perhaps relatives of the applicant for citizenship. It is also possible that they were not. Research the witnesses of your ancestor’s naturalization until you have learned enough about their life […]
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