John Jay

John Jay (1745-1829) was an American statesman, diplomat, abolitionist, and Chief Justice. Before the American Revolution, Jay, a lawyer, oversaw efforts to oppose unpopular and exploitative British policies. He was elected to the Second Continental Congress and served as its President, then worked as an ambassador and diplomat, convincing Spain to assist the young nation and negotiating the Treat of Paris between Great Britain and the United States. After coauthoring The Federalist Papers with Hamilton and Madison, Jay was appointed by President Washington to serve as the first Chief Justice of the Unites States between 1789 to 1795.