Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of seven volumes of copies of printed certificates of appointments issued by the Governor for out of state commissions to take the proof and acknowledgement of deeds and other legal instruments to be used and recorded in New York State, and to administer oaths and affirmations pursuant to Chapter 290 of the Laws of 1840 and later amendments. The certificates vary slightly in format for each volume, but they almost always provide the name of the appointee, residence (city, state, county and sometimes street), date of appointment and filing, and the name of the governor, secretary of state or his deputy (signed by a clerk). Some of the later volumes provide the date of expiration of the appointment.