In which year did Thomas Fugill become the first notary public in America?

In which year did Thomas Fugill become the first notary public in America?

• A. 1607
• B. 1620
• C. 1639
• D. 1784

Answer: (C)

The key fact is the moment when the first notary public is recorded in American history, tied to Thomas Fugill. In 1639, the Massachusetts General Court appointed Thomas Fugill as the first notary public in the American colonies, establishing the office there and setting the pattern for notarial duties— Authenticating documents, recording oaths, and witnessing signatures in line with English practice. The other dates don’t fit this historic milestone: 1607 and 1620 are earlier colonial milestones with no record of a formal notary appointment, and 1784 comes after independence when notarial laws were already evolving under new state systems. So, 1639 is the correct year.

The key fact is the moment when the first notary public is recorded in American history, tied to Thomas Fugill. In 1639, the Massachusetts General Court appointed Thomas Fugill as the first notary public in the American colonies, establishing the office there and setting the pattern for notarial duties— Authenticating documents, recording oaths, and witnessing signatures in line with English practice. The other dates don’t fit this historic milestone: 1607 and 1620 are earlier colonial milestones with no record of a formal notary appointment, and 1784 comes after independence when notarial laws were already evolving under new state systems. So, 1639 is the correct year.