Notable Notaries: Historically Significant Black Notary Publics In America
African American notaries public have held a long history in the United States.
The first known Africa-American notary public in the United States was William Whipper, who was commissioned in 1833 in Pennsylvania. Since then, African–Americans have made significant contributions to the profession and have held important roles in the legal system. William Whipper was born in 1804 in Philadelphia and was a civil rights activist, entrepreneur, and a leader in the anti–slavery movement. He was one of the founding members of the American Anti–Slavery Society and a member of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society.
He was also a founding member of the African Society for the Improvement of the Condition of the People of Color, one of the first black professional organizations in the United States. In 1833, he was appointed a notary public, becoming the first African–American to hold the position. As a notary public, he helped to facilitate the purchase of freedom for enslaved individuals and assisted in the organization of the Underground Railroad.
He also wrote letters of freedom and organized meetings between free African–Americans and freed African–Americans. Whipper‘s influence was felt beyond the role of the notary public. He was the first African–American elected to the Pennsylvania legislature, and he served as a delegate to the 1851 National Colored Convention. He also served as a leader in the African–American community in Philadelphia, and was a major supporter of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Another historically significant black notary public was Thomas Fortune, who was commissioned in 1873 in New Jersey. Fortune was an early civil rights leader, journalist, and a leader in the African–American press. He founded the New York Freeman, the first African–American newspaper in the country. As a notary public, Fortune was influential in helping to shape the civil rights movement. He was a noted advocate for civil rights and suffrage, and he was one of the founding members of the National Afro–American League. In 1916, Fortune was appointed to the National Colored Advisory Council, a group of prominent African–American leaders, which was established to advise the President on civil rights and suffrage issues. He was also a member of the National Equal Rights League, a civil rights organization established in 1883.
Another notable notary that seems appropriate to mention in this blog is the first female notary public in America…
Emma Gillett was the first female notary in the United States. She was appointed to the role in 1809, becoming one of the first female lawyers in the country. Gillett was born in Orange County, New York, in 1787. She received her legal training from Judge Edward Lewis of Goshen, New York, where she was taught the law of wills, deeds, and mortgages. She was recommended for the position of notary by the Orange County Court. Gillett‘s appointment was met with skepticism by many of her male colleagues, but she proved her worth. She was an active lawyer, working on a variety of cases ranging from disputes over land to divorces. She often took on cases that other lawyers would not accept, and she was known for her skill and dedication. Gillett‘s legacy lives on today. Her appointment marked an important milestone in the history of female lawyers, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the legal profession. Although she was the first female notary in the United States, she was certainly not the last. Her example paved the way for countless women to enter the legal profession and to make a lasting impact.
Throughout history, black notaries public have held important roles in the legal system and have made significant contributions to the civil rights movement. William Whipper was the first African–American to receive notary public status, and Thomas Fortune was a leader in the African–American press and a noted advocate for civil rights and suffrage. Together, they are remembered as two of the most influential and historically significant black notaries public in the United States.
It is my sincere hope that these inspirational & historically significant notaries will inspire the next generation of Notaries Public to greatness! As always we recommend getting the most out of your notary commission, and making the most money possible with our flagship course Notary Prosperity Academy.
