John Jay

John Jay was born in New York City, on the 12th of December, 1745. He was educated at King's (now Columbia) College, and studied law. He early took a prominent part in the resistance to the measures of the British government, and was distinguished for his ability and patriotism.

He was a member of the Continental Congress, and was one of the most influential members of that body. He was appointed minister to Spain, and afterward one of the commissioners to negotiate the treaty of peace with Great Britain. He rendered important services in both capacities.

He was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Confederation, and discharged the duties of that office with great ability. He was one of the authors of the “Federalist,” and took an active part in securing the adoption of the Constitution.

He was appointed the first Chief Justice of the United States, and presided over the Supreme Court with dignity and ability. He was afterward elected Governor of New York, and served several terms. He declined a re-election, and retired to private life.

He died at Bedford, New York, on the 17th of May, 1829, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive