Early Life and Education

William Paterson was born on December 24, 1745, in County Antrim, Ireland. He immigrated to the American colonies with his family as a child, settling in New Jersey. Paterson attended the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), graduating in 1763. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1768, quickly establishing a successful legal career.

Support for Independence

Paterson strongly supported the American patriot cause. He became a delegate to the Provincial Congress of New Jersey and helped draft the state's first constitution in 1776. That same year, he was appointed New Jersey’s first attorney general, serving until 1783. In this role, he gained a reputation for fairness and legal expertise.

Role in the Constitutional Convention

Paterson played an important part in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Concerned about the power of larger states, he introduced the New Jersey Plan, which proposed equal representation for all states in a single-chamber legislature. While the plan was not fully adopted, it influenced the final structure of Congress, particularly the U.S. Senate.

Political and Judicial Career

After the Constitution was ratified, Paterson became one of New Jersey’s first U.S. Senators, serving from 1789 to 1790. He resigned to become the governor of New Jersey, a position he held until 1793. As governor, he worked on legal reforms and state improvements. In 1793, President George Washington appointed him as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served until his death in 1806. His work on the Court helped shape early federal legal principles.

Legacy

William Paterson died on September 9, 1806, in Albany, New York. Though not as widely known as some of his fellow Founders, he played a crucial role in the creation of the United States government. His contributions to the Constitution and the judiciary left a lasting impact. The city of Paterson, New Jersey, was named in his honor.