Our Great Grandfather Mattson's Act of Naturalization, 1904.

John Albert Mattson (born 1873). Started life as a Swede. Ended an American.

From the Fortress of Solitude
Pleasant Grove

Hello All,
You all know I enjoy history. With that comes an interest in historical documents, especially ones relating to family history. Tonight as we talk around our digital campfire I'd like to show you my Great Grandfather John Albert Mattson's Record of Naturalization, dated 1904. The paper is yellow with age and quite delicate. One thing I think is interesting is the name he used.
He was born John Albert Mattson but changed his name to Albert John Mattson because he thought there were too many Johns in America. So, instead of calling myself Victor Alan Williamson I think I'll change it to Alan Victor Williamson........ wait...... that won't work. There are far more Alans in this country than Victor's. I'll just stick with Victor.

Simply,
Victor

Click to Enlarge. This is the top of the form. It was too long for the scanner and I didn't want to leave anything out.

Click to Enlarge. The lower half of the form. Interesting that he had to swear allegiance to the United States and remove his allegiance to Oscar II King of Norway and Sweden.

Click to Enlarge. This is the back of the form.

History, ya gotta love it!