Can someone explain exactly what "naturalization" means. Was Granddad already 18 so not listed as a minor child?
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Joseph's naturalization papers
Aunt Julie sent me a copy of Granddad's father Joseph Jacob Rattet's naturalization papers. Dated September 1913, It lists his age as 38, Amalia (Molly, I presume) his wife is 34, his minor children are listed as David 17, Selik(?) 16, Solomon 11, Ida 6, and Eeva(?) 2. He is listed as coming from Russia and living at 46 Newton St., Malden, Massachusetts.
Can someone explain exactly what "naturalization" means. Was Granddad already 18 so not listed as a minor child?
Can someone explain exactly what "naturalization" means. Was Granddad already 18 so not listed as a minor child?
3 comments:
Auntie Julie also sent me a copy of that paper. I think it says "Selia, age 16", not Selik. Joseph had a sister named Celia, I believe. Also, who is Ida? I thought Grandad was born in 1897. That would make him 17 in 1934. Maybe he was not living at home? He and Granny were married when he was 19, as I remember. I don't think the listing of children is very accurate. Maybe it only lists those living at that residence at that time? Naturalization is the process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen of the U.S., but my guess is you knew that.
Melanie, I googled "naturalization" and it did sort of equate it with obtaining citizenship, but I remain unsure that "naturalization" is, in fact. obtaining citizenship. So, if you are "naturalized" you are officially a citizen of the US? I thought there was a process or formal ceremony by which one officially becomes a citizen, some testing of constitutional knowledge and the like? Is this something that I should automatically be knowledgeable about?
Scott,
Thought that was one of those questions I would be chastised for answering too quickly. :P
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