William Jay was an American lawyer and abolitionist born in 1789. He was the son of John Jay, a prominent Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the United States. William Jay was known for his strong opposition to slavery and played a significant role in the early abolitionist movement in the United States. In addition to his legal work, William Jay was involved in various social reform efforts. He served as the president of the New York Manumission Society, which aimed to promote the gradual emancipation of enslaved people. His advocacy contributed to the growing discourse on civil rights during the 19th century.