description William Paterson Overview
William Paterson was an American statesman and jurist who represented New Jersey at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he presented the New Jersey Plan favoring equal representation of states in the national legislature. He later served as governor of New Jersey and as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1793 until his death in 1806. President George Washington appointed him to the Court.
help William Paterson FAQ
What was the New Jersey Plan that William Paterson proposed?
At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Paterson presented the New Jersey Plan, which called for equal representation of each state in the national legislature. It countered the Virginia Plan's population-based proposal and helped drive the compromise that equalized representation in the U.S. Senate.
Did William Paterson serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Yes. President George Washington appointed him an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 1793. Before that, he had also served as a U.S. Senator and as Governor of New Jersey.
Was William Paterson born in America?
No, he was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1745 and emigrated to America as a child. His family settled in New Jersey, where he studied at Princeton and built his legal and political career.
Is Paterson, New Jersey named after him?
Yes, the city of Paterson, New Jersey, is named in his honor. It reflects his standing as one of the state's most important founders, who represented New Jersey at the 1787 Constitutional Convention and signed the Constitution.
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