Montgomery County Courthouse Naturalization records from approximately 1904 -1936 were indexed by an MCHS volunteer. Most researchers are familiar with the courthouse fires in 1864 and 1901. It is suspected that previous naturalization records burned. Researchers of German families in Lower Loutre should also check court records in Hermann, Gasconade County. In general, naturalization was a two-step process* that took a minimum of five years. After residing in the United States for two years, an alien could file a "declaration of intention" ("first papers") to become a citizen. After three additional years, the alien could "petition for naturalization" (”second papers”).