Notary Public Underwriters Blog
Happy Notary Public Day!
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- Published: November 6, 2023
Happy Notary Public Day! November 7th marks the day when we celebrate the 4.4 million notaries in the United States who play a vital role in our society. As we observe this special day, we have compiled a list of some interesting notary facts.
Ancient Origins
The roots of notaries public can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they held a prestigious position.
America's First Notary
The choice of November 7 as Notary Public Day holds historical significance. It pays tribute to America's very first notary, Thomas Fugill, who was appointed by the Colony of New Haven on October 25, 1639, according to the Julian calendar, which translates to November 7 on the Gregorian calendar used today.
Notary and Founding Father
Thomas McKean, the last person to sign the Declaration of Independence, was also a notary.
President Coolidge Was Sworn in by a Notary
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, made history in 1923 when he became the first president to be sworn in by a notary. Even more remarkable, the notary who administered the oath was none other than his father.
The Notary of the Wild West
Mark Twain, the renowned American author, held a notary public commission. Samuel Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, became a notary in the 19th century during his time in the Wild West as he pursued various ventures, including mining and journalism.
Powers Vary by State
Notaries' powers and responsibilities can vary from state to state in the United States. Some states may grant notaries additional powers, such as officiating weddings.
Who Runs the World 
Almost two-thirds of American notaries are women.
Notaries in the Modern World
In today's digital age, notaries are adapting to meet the needs of a changing society. Remote notarizations have become increasingly popular, allowing for the online notarization of documents.
Notaries' influence extends from ancient Rome to the birth of the United States, and continues to evolve in our ever-changing world. Happy Notary Public Day to all those who serve in this vital profession! We thank you for your service and dedication.