Sarah Livingston Jay Takes Washington by the Hair
Sarah Livingston Jay was more than just John Jay’s wife.
Sarah was an important social leader both during the American Founding and during the peace talks leading up to the Treaty of Paris.
Jay even left her small child behind in the United States while she travelled abroad in service of her country.
Sarah Livingston Jay
The Livingston Family was an important player in New York/New Jersey politics throughout the Revolutionary Period.
Sarah Livingston was no different.
Her father, William Livingston, would serve as Governor of New Jersey for the entire American Founding.
Additionally, when she married John Jay, who was eleven years her senior, he was serving in the Continental Congress.
Sarah Livingston Jay would go on to play an important role in politics herself.
Washing-Locks
In 1779, John was selected to travel to Europe and act as Minister to Spain.
Sarah decided to join him, making the heartbreaking decision to leave her 3-year-old son back in America under the care of her father.
When she left, Jay was given much respect for undertaking the daring mission. This includes a gift from General George Washington...a lock of his hair!
The Franklin Residence
She spent three years in Madrid, birthing two children (one of whom would die as an infant).
The Jay’s, living in an unfamiliar land, shared in the frustrations brought on by King Charles III’s demands and slow action in assisting the Patriots.
In 1783, they were called to Paris by Benjamin Franklin who needed John’s assistance.
While they were there, Sarah again became pregnant and the family was invited by Franklin to stay in his countryside estate.
Benjamin grew close with Maria, the daughter who was born in Spain, and he affectionately referred to her as his “little friend.”
Peace
When the Treaty of Paris was signed (ending the Revolutionary War) Sarah was the first American citizen to find out.
Despite being too pregnant to attend, she set up the celebratory party. Shortly thereafter, the Jay’s returned home after almost five years abroad.
The First Lady of New York
John would go on to become Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and Governor of New York.
Sarah played a large part in all of these positions.
Women of status at this time were very politically active, though it was kept to polite dinners and social meetings.
Jay hosted dozens of these meals, where the details of the American Founding were hashed out.
Sarah kept a record of all who attended, and her Dinner Guest List has become famous as much for the luminaries whose names appear on it as for its demonstration of her role in creating the United States.
Want to read about more FOUNDING MOTHERS?
Great! Check out these articles:
Phillis Wheatley - From Slave Girl to Master Poet
Martha Bratton - Explosions, Death Threats and Huck’s Defeat
The Adventures of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
Do you want to learn more about the Jay Family?
Although there are a lot of books about John Jay, the Walter Stahr biography is my favorite and discusses at length Sarah’s role in the American Founding.
Pick up a copy through the Amazon affiliate link below…
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