John Jay

John Jay (December 12, 1745 – May 17, 1829) was an American politician, statesman, revolutionary, diplomat and jurist. He is noted for serving with Benjamin Franklin and John Adams in France and writing part of the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. He also is remembered for serving on the U.S. Supreme Court as the first, as well as the youngest Chief Justice of the United States, from 1789 to 1794.

Governor of New York

While in Britain, he was elected governor of New York State. He resigned from the Court, and served as governor of New York until 1800. President John Adams then renominated him to the court; the Senate quickly confirmed him, but he declined, citing his own poor health and the court's lack of "the energy, weight, and dignity which are essential to its affording due support to the national government."

Related Topics:
New York State - John Adams

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Despite winning a second term in 1802, Jay declined and retired to the life of a gentleman farmer in Westchester County, New York. His home and part of his farm is operated as a museum by the New York State Parks, and is located on NY state route 22 near Bedford.

Related Topics:
Westchester County, New York - Bedford

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John Jay died at home on May 15, 1829. He was buried in a family plot on his son Peter's farm in Rye, New York. This home today is a part of the Jay Heritage Center, located at 210 Boston Post Road in Rye. It is also open as a museum.

Related Topics:
May 15 - 1829 - Rye, New York

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The Town of Jay, New York and Jay County, Indiana are named after him. The John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York is also named after him.

Related Topics:
Jay, New York - Jay County, Indiana - John Jay College of Criminal Justice - City University of New York

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