John Jay

Born in New York City in 1817, John Jay, graduated from Columbia University in 1836. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Chief Justice John Jay and his father Judge William Jay, he was admitted to the bar in 1839 and practiced law for nearly 20 years. After his father's death in 1858, he retired and devoted his time to public service. During the 1847 potato famine he served as secretary of the Irish Relief Committee. With the enactment of the 1850 Fugitive-Slave Law he counseled many black fugitives and during the Civil War supported the enlistment of black soldiers in the Union Army. In 1869-74 he worked as minister to Austria. After his return to New York he held many positions in local politics including vice-president of the Civil Service Reform Association. He was an active and influential member of American Historical Association, a founder and president of the Union League Club and a member of the Metropolitan Musem of Art, New York Historical Society and the National Academy of Design.