John Jay
First Chief Justice, Co-author of The Federalist Papers
Vital Statistics
Born: December 23, 1745
Died: May 17, 1829
Birthplace: New York City, New York
Spouses: 1
Children: 6
Biography
John Jay was a man of profound legal mind and diplomatic grace, a true pillar of the early republic. He contributed five powerful essays to The Federalist Papers, focusing on the dangers of foreign influence. But his greatest contribution came as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In this role, Jay established the authority and dignity of the nation's highest court, setting precedents that would shape American law for centuries. He was a master negotiator who built the legal pillars that support our government.