First American colonies or the colonies in North America were created during the 17th century mainly by English people that crossed the ocean and began a new life in the colonies; additionally, after the colonies were created many other English people decided to move to them. Besides this in 1707 with the Acts of Union, England and Scotland integrated their government becoming the Kingdom of England, due to this, people of Scotland were also allowed to move to the colonies of England and trade in them, this included the American colonies but also other territories owned by England. Therefore, the person described is probably from Scotland as it was this country the one that was unified with England and therefore people of this country could go to the colonies.
For those that could not write (So most), they carried a seal around either on a necklace or otherwise that they could use to stamp with ink to signify 'signing' something.
