The practice of a notary public
dates back to ancient Roman times when few people learned
to read and write. A "notarius" was appointed as
a public official to create written documents of agreement
or wills and to hold them for safekeeping.
Wax seals with individualized engravings or symbols were used
as signatures at the end of written agreements. In later centuries,
ribbons were woven into holes placed in the margin of multiple
page documents to tie the pages together. Wax seals were placed
over the knots to ensure no pages were added nor removed.
This was the birth of the notary seal and certificate.
In Colonial America, persons of high moral character were
appointed as public notaries to certify and keep documents
safe.
