David Brearley
David Brearley (June 11, 1745 - August 16, 1790) was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, representing the state of New Jersey.[1]
Early Life
Brearley, sometimes also spelled as Brearly, was born in New Jersey on June 11th, 1745[2]. About the year 1763, and at the age of eighteen he received the honours of Princeton College. On leaving that celebrated seminary, he commenced the study of the law, and in a few years stood foremost at the bar of his native State.[3]
Constitutional Convention
In consideration of his distinguished talents as a lawyer and statesman, he was unanimously elected a member of the grand convention which met at Philadelphia, in 1787, for framing the constitution of the United States, and his name is affixed to that charter of our liberties. He was a member of the New Jersey delegation to the Convention along with Jonathan Dayton, William Houston, William Livingston, and William Paterson.
In 1789 he was appointed by President Washington, chief justice of the State of New Jersey, which office he held with distinguished honour to himself and his country until his death, which took place at his seat, near Trenton, August 23, 1790, in the twenty-seventh year of his age. Mr. Brearley was cut off in the bloom of his powers, and when the highest hopes were entertained of his future usefulness. To have reached the position of chief justice at the age of twenty-six years, was an almost unprecedented instance of the triumph of youthful genius, and sufficient of itself to inspire his friends with glorious anticipations. As an advocate he was always eloquent and forcible; and as a judge he was learned and impartial.
Passing
He passed away on August 16, 1790.[4]