What significant event occurred in 1639 in relation to notaries in America?

In 1639, the colony of New Haven, Connecticut, marked a significant development in the history of notaries in America by appointing the first notary public. This event illustrates the formal recognition of the notary's role in the legal system, which provided essential services such as witnessing documents and performing notarizations. The establishment of a notary public in New Haven signifies the beginning of a framework for notarial practices in the American colonies, reflecting the growing importance of legal documentation and the need for trusted intermediaries in the growing society.

Recognizing this historical milestone helps illustrate how notarial practices were developing separately in various colonies, laying the groundwork for what would become standardized notarial systems across the United States. Although other colonies would eventually appoint notaries public or pass laws related to notarial functions, the action taken by New Haven in 1639 serves as a foundational moment for the notarial profession in the region.