Peter Augustus Jay was the eldest son of Federalist, politician and American Founding Father, John Jay. As a child he spent most of his time with his grandparents - who carefully educated him. Like his father, he would graduate from King's College with a degree in law being admitted to the bar in 1797 and later establishing a practice with his cousin, Peter Jay Munro, in New York City. His public service record was extensive. According to the Jay Heritage Center, Peter served as "President, Society for Manumission of Slaves; President, Board of Kings College, New York Hospital; New York State Assemblyman (active in arranging the financing for Erie Canal); he is a Westchester County Judge; a founder of the Bank for Savings (thereby establishing New York State savings bank system); private secretary to his father in London for Jay Treaty. President of the New York Historical Society."
Peter Jay married Mary Rutherford Clarkson in 1808. They had eight children, all of which reached adulthood. In 1816, he declined to run for governor of New York, but was elected, as a Federal Republican, to the New York State Assembly, where he supported legislation for the creation of the Erie Canal and for the abolition of slavery. In 1822, he inherited the Jay Property from his father - later demolishing the farmhouse to build the Greek Revival that stands today.
In 1832, Peter was honored with a Doctor of Laws from Harvard University for his "talents and virtues." His wife died in 1838 and he passed away five years later in 1843.
Burial:
John Jay Cemetery
Rye
Westchester County
New York, USA
independently on your own legs, and next to Providence, Trust to your Talents, your Industry and Prudence." He was encouraging Peter to engage in politics.
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Louisiana are settled. We have purchased it of the French for a Sum of money & for certain commercial privileges . . . which are yet secret."