How do you get a copy of your great grandfather's naturalization papers from the 1860s?

Answer 1

For naturalization records from 1860, or any year before 1906, you would need to contact the records repository for the court that performed the naturalization. Some state or regional archives also have indexes of so-called "old law naturalizations" performed in their areas. The you ask the Clerk of the Court involved for a copy of the naturalization record.

Prior to 1906, there was little organization or consistency in maintaining naturalization records, or even in what information was required before a naturalization would be performed. See the National Archives explanation on this at their web site listed in Related Links, below.