John Jay (Founding Father) - On This Day

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Profession: Founding Father

Biography: John Jay was a statesman and diplomat who served as the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Jay was born into a wealthy family in New York City where he received a good education and graduated from King's College in 1764.

Jay later became involved in the Patriot movement and served as a delegate to the Continental Congresses. During the American Revolutionary War, he worked as a diplomat and helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war.

After the war, Jay worked with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison to write the Federalist Papers. These essays supported the creation of a strong federal government.

In 1789, President George Washington appointed Jay as the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. As Chief Justice, Jay made important decisions that established the power of the court.

Jay also served as Governor of New York from 1795 to 1801. During this time, he signed a law that gradually ended slavery in the state. Jay himself owned slaves for much of his life, however, a fact which has been the cause of much debate and criticism.

After leaving public office, Jay retired to his farm in New York, where he lived until his death.

Born: December 12, 1745
Birthplace: NYC, New York, USA
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: May 17, 1829 (aged 83)

Historical Events

  • 1779-09-28 American Revolution: Samuel Huntington is elected President of the Continental Congress, succeeding John Jay
  • 1784-12-21 John Jay becomes acting US Secretary of State (1789-90)
  • 1787-10-27 Federalist Papers start appearing in New York newspapers under pseudonym "Publius" (written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay)
  • 1789-09-24 President George Washington nominates John Jay for 1st Chief Justice
  • 1789-09-26 Thomas Jefferson appointed 1st US Secretary of State; John Jay becomes 1st US Chief Justice

Personal Life

  • 1774-04-28 Chief Justice John Jay (28) weds Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (17)

References


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