This is a title anyone can own and practice, if they are in good standing. I was once a notary, but decided it wasn't something as a small business owner, I wanted to do. A lot of possible bad stuff can come back on you if you do not follow the strict protocol. Maybe someone in your family may have had a job that the govt. may have files on. Dates and place they served would help trace migrations and possible areas they lived. I don't know where you would go, but the first place I would suggest is your Local library. They can direct you to this information. Just something you can put on your to do list.