This blog post is written by Jill Morelli, CG, CGL, who is a genealogical writer, lecturer, and researcher. While she has mostly written about her Swedish relatives, she promises to write about her Danish relatives, now that she has completed her book Journeys of the Forgotten: The Orphans of Hamilton County, Iowa. She lives in Seattle, Washington.
With approximately 1.5 million people in the United States claiming Danish ancestry, uncovering your Danish roots can be a rewarding journey.1 Whether you're just beginning your genealogical research or looking to expand your family tree, this guide will explain key resources available in the U.S. for tracing Danish ancestry. We will use my Danish grandfather as an example.2
U.S. Censuses
Censuses are an invaluable resource for all genealogists. Conducted every ten years since 1790, the U.S. censuses provide increasingly detailed snapshots of the population. The censuses from 1850 onward are particularly useful, as they list individuals by name, birthplace, and occupation. The 1920 census includes the year of immigration and naturalization status, which can help pinpoint when your Danish ancestors arrived in the U.S and became citizens.
1920 US census, Hancock County, Iowa, population schedule, Britt, Ed 10, p. 6B, Household 93, dwelling 95, Chris Jacobson; NARA roll T625_492.
Vital Records
Vital records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, are foundational documents in genealogical research. These records provide dates and places of birth, parents' names, and spouses' names. Most states began keeping vital records in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, but towns and counties often began earlier. There is not a central location for these records. Online databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com have digitized collections of vital records.
Iowa State Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death no. 12297, state file no. 41-50-39, Chris Jacobson death certificate (11 June 1950).
Immigration Records
Immigration records are key to tracing your Danish ancestors' journey to the U.S. The Castle Gardens and Ellis Island passenger lists are particularly notable, as many Danish immigrants entered the U.S. through New York City, but other ports are possible and are online. These records can reveal information such as the ship's name, port of departure, and intended U.S. destination. Again, these can be found at Ancestry or FamilySearch. Another helpful site is Steve Morse's site One-Step Webpages at https://stevemorse.org
"New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger & Crew Lists, (including Castle Gardens & Ellis Island) 1820-1957," database, Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7488/images/NYT715_696-0326) entry for Mons Arnesen, age 20, arrived New York City, 1906, S.S. Oceanic. [Note: I have not found my grandfather’s manifest. Sigh.]
Naturalization & Alien Files
Naturalization files are another resource for genealogists. The immigrant could go to any court (usually the court in the county where they resided) and declare their intent to become a citizen. Five years later, they could appear again in court and obtain their citizenship. Some of the initial filings include the name of the ship, date of arrival, country of origin, etc. Later documents are less informative.
If your ancestor did not claim citizenship, then prior to April 1944 they were required to fill out an Alien File. A-Files contain comprehensive personal information on immigrants who were not naturalized citizens. These files can include photographs, personal correspondence, and detailed biographical data. The USCIS is the custodians of the A-Files, and in 2010 began transferring A-files for persons born more than 100 years ago to the San Francisco and Kansas City branches of the National Archives. For descendants, these files can provide a wealth of information about their ancestors' lives in the U.S.
Hancock County, Iowa, Petition for Naturalization, Chris Jacobson naturalization petition (1 April 1904); Hancock County Court, Garner, Iowa.
Conclusion
Tracing Danish ancestry in the United States involves exploring a variety of records, each offering unique insights into your family's history. Unfortunately, there is no central location for these files. From U.S. censuses and vital records to immigration documents and Alien Files, these resources are essential for building a detailed Danish family tree. By leveraging these tools, you can uncover the rich history and heritage of your Danish ancestors.
Footnotes:
- Museum of Danish America, "Danish Immigration," https://www.danishmuseum.org/explore/danish-american-culture/immigration
- Chris Jacobson was born Christian Jacobsen in 1883, but when he settled in a county replete with Swedes, he acquiesced to the majority and spelled his name -son. Note, his wife was born in the US. Because she married Chris before he was a citizen, she, too, became Danish. It was the law at the time, which was later changed.
