Changes

}}

}}

}}

}}

'''John Jay''' (December 23, 1745-May 17, 1829) was a [[Founding Father]] who urged ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]], although he was unable to attend the [[Constitutional Convention]].  Jay wrote five of the [[Federalist Papers]] and later served on the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] as the first [[Chief Justice]].

'''John Jay''' (December 23, 1745 – May 17, 1829) was a [[Founding Father]] who urged ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]], although he was unable to attend the [[Constitutional Convention]].  Jay wrote five of the [[Federalist Papers]] and later served on the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] as the first [[Chief Justice]].

A devout Christian, John Jay was one of New York State's leading abolitionists, and is called the "father of American conservatism."

A devout Christian, John Jay was one of New York State's leading abolitionists, and is called the "father of American conservatism."

==Slavery==

==Slavery==

John Jay was a slave owner, like many other prominent figures in his day.  However, Jay realized the evils of the practice and treated many of his african slaves in the same manner as white slaves (or indentured servants) were treated: once their debt was paid, which usually consisted primarily of costs associated with the trip overseas, Jay would set the slaves free.

John Jay was a slave owner, like many other prominent figures in his day.  However, Jay realized the evils of the practice and treated many of his African slaves in the same manner as white slaves (or indentured servants) were treated: once their debt was paid, which usually consisted primarily of costs associated with the trip overseas, Jay would set the slaves free.

Jay noted that early on, the culture of society was unquestioning in regards to slavery.  He wrote:

Jay noted that early on, the culture of society was unquestioning in regards to slavery.  He wrote: