John Jay (1745~1829) carta Encyclopedia, Culver Pictures John Jay had a distinguished career as an American statesman, culminating in his selection as the first chief justice of the United States in 1789. In 1782 he helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. In 1794, while chief justice, he went to Britain and negotiated Jay's Treaty, which averted another war with Britain. After his return, he resigned as chief justice because he had been elected governor of New YorkJohn Jay had a distinguished career as an American statesman, culminating in his selection as the first chief justice of the United States in 1789. In 1782 he helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution. In 1794, while chief justice, he went to Britain and negotiated Jay's Treaty, which averted another war with Britain. After his return, he resigned as chief justice because he had been elected governor of New York. John Jay (1745~1829)