Biography of john jay
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John Jay was born in New York City in His grandfather, Augustus Jay, had been a French Huguenot who came to America in the s seeking religious freedom. His father, Peter Jay, gained wealth as a merchant, and retired to a farm in Rye, New York, shortly after John was born. Following formal education at Kings College (today Columbia University), Jay began a career as a lawyer. However, as the talk of independence from Great Britain grew, Jay became increasingly involved in public service. He would never return to his law practice.
In , Jay married Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (), daughter of the fiery patriot and first governor of the State of New Jersey, William Livingston. Sarah Jay, renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and charm, was a devoted wife and the doting mother of the couple’s five children.
Of all the Founding Fathers, no other filled so many high offices. John Jay served the State of New York as a principal author of its first constitution in , and as its
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John Jay
The youngest son of French Huguenot refugees, John Jay was born on a farm in New Rochelle, New York, on December 12, His mother taught him until he was old enough to go to the French Huguenot Church School. At age 14, Jay entered King’s College (Columbia University), graduating in For a man who would spend much of his life in legal pursuits, he had no interest in studying lag until his final year at King’s College.
After graduating with honors, he clerked for Benjamin Kissam, one of New York City’s most prominent attorneys. Jay’s fledging legal career was soon put on hold when New York’s lawyers went on strike to protest the Stamp Act. Not wanting to waste any time, Jay went back to King’s College to earn a mästare of Arts degree.
Jay initially feared that the growing tensions between Great Britain and her North American colonies would lead to violence and mob rule. He favored reconciliation, wanting to salvage the relationship
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John Jay
Founding Father, U.S. Chief Justice to
For other uses, see John Jay (disambiguation).
John Jay | |
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Portrait of John Jay by Gilbert Stuart, | |
| In office October 19, – June 29, | |
| Nominated by | George Washington |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | John Rutledge |
| In office July 1, – June 30, | |
| Lieutenant | Stephen Van Rensselaer |
| Preceded by | George Clinton |
| Succeeded by | George Clinton |
| In office September 15, – March 22, | |
| President | George Washington |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Jefferson (as first secretary of state) |
| Acting July 27, – September 15, | |
| President | George Washington |
| Preceded by | Himself |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| In office December 21, – March 3, | |
| Appointed by | Congress of the Confederation |
| Preceded by | Robert R. Livingston |
| Succeeded by | Himself (acting) |
| In office September 27, – May 20, | |
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