Hello Rod,
I'm having the same problem with an ancestor who came here from German/Poland
in 1875. A complete brick wall. Someone suggested that I request the
application for citizenship papers and work backwards from there. I haven't
quite figured out how to do that yet.
I think the immmigrant had to make a declaration of intent and I have to
have that information first, before I can request citizenship papers.
Have you investigated asking for citizenship papers?
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Marilyn in Ohio