John Jay
(Dec 12, 1745-May 17, 1829)
Occupation: First Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, resigned when elected Governor of New York, President of the Continental Congress.
Education: Combination of home schooling and 3 years instruction under Anglican priest Pierre Stoupe. Alum: King's College. Read law/admitted to New York Bar.
Interred: John Jay Cemetery, Rye, New York

John Jay was the first Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme Court, 1789-95. He was born December 12,,1745 in New York City. Considered one of the prime builders of the Revolutionary period, he was a member of the Continental Congress in 1774-1779, and was its president in the latter two years. In 1779 he was American minister to Spain, and in 1782 was called to Paris by Franklin to negotiate peace with England. He was U.S. secretary of foreign affairs, 1784-89, and joined with Hamilton and Madison in writing the Federalist, explaining the new constitution. In 1794-95 he negotiated "Jay's Treaty" with England, settling outstanding disputes. In 1795-1801 he was governor of New York.

Many Masonic journals and orators of past years have referred to him in his status as a Freemason although his lodge affiliation remains unknown. On April 21, 1779 he wrote a letter to George Washington that has Masonic significance: "The dissolution of our governments threw us into a political chaos. Time, Wisdom and Perseverance will reduce it into Form, and give it Strength, Order and Harmony. In this work you are (in the style of your professions) a Master Builder, and God grant that you may long continue a Free and Accepted one.”              

John Jay Masonic Lodge #653 located in White Plains, New York was named after Justice Jay.