James Thomas Becomes a Naturalized U. S. Citizen

On October 6, 1886, at the age of 26, 21 years after arriving as a small child in the U. S., James Thomas became a U. S. Citizen. He filed his naturalization papers in the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois.

In 1886, naturalization was still being coordinated at the local level and, unfortunately, the papers do not provide much genealogical information.

This document is from a Superior Court docket book.

Thanks to Dan Moore for identifying the existence of this document and providing me with the information to locate it.

Source: Cook County Archives, Superior Court, Cook County, Illinois, Volume 13, page 219. Date of naturalization, October 6, 1886.

Martin Thomas' Naturalization Paper

On March 27, 1894, Martin Thomas, third son of John and Bridget (Reidy) Thomas/Thompson, became an American citizen. He was approximately 32 years old when he was granted his citizenship. On the document, he states he was a native of Ireland and he arrived in the United States as a minor. This is confirmed on the passenger list where he is listed as traveling with his Mother and siblings, arriving in New York City on September 8, 1866 at the recorded age of 3. It is sad to think, within 4 years from becoming a U. S. citizen, he would die of tuberculosis on May 7, 1898.

James E. Gillan, 5805 S. Carpenter, Chicago, signed Martin's naturalization papers as a witness to his "good moral character." At this point, James E. Gillan is not a known family associate.

Thanks to Dan Moore for locating in the U. S. Department of Labor, Immigration and Naturalization Service index the information that allowed location of Martin's naturalization papers.

Source: Circuit Court, Cook County, Illinois; Certificate no. R 47 P 10 Minor.