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John Jay (1745–1829), an American statesman and judge, in a portrait by Gilbert Stuart. Born into a wealthy family of merchants, he became a lawyer and organized opposition to British rule. During the American Revolution, Jay was an ambassador and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Later he contributed to the Federalist Papers supporting ratification of the new U.S. Constitution; when it was adopted in 1789, he was made the first Chief Justice, a position he held until elected governor of New York in 1795. He then helped begin the process that emancipated all of the state's slaves.Painting: Gilbert Stuart