Kent, James, 1763-1847

These maps were compiled over a period of years by Chancellor Kent, a well-known American jurist who was a dominant state supreme court judge in New York throughout the Federalist era. The extensive manuscript annotations are in his hand. These notes are often dated, some as early as the 1820s and others as late as 1840. It is unclear what prompted Kent to assemble this volume, but a possible reason was his interest in missionary activities, often referred to in the notes, which display an intimate knowledge of the literature of Pacific exploration.

Kent graduated from Yale in 1781 and was admitted to the New York Bar in 1785. He practiced law in Poughkeepsie (1785-1793) and in New York City from 1793. He served as Judge of the New York Supreme Court (1798-1814) and as Chancellor of the New York Court of Chancery (1814-1823.)

Jurist, Chancellor of New York Court of Chancery, first Professor of Law at Columbia College.

American jurist.

Jurist and legal commentator.

James Kent was a justice of the New York Supreme Court and Chancellor of New York 1814-1823.

Samuel Jones was Chancellor of New York 1826-1828 and Chief Justice of the New York City Superior Court 1828-1847.

Jurist and legal commentator. Kent began his legal career in 1781 as a practicing attorney in Poughkeepsie. In 1793, he moved his practice to New York City where he also assumed the appointment as the first professor of law at Columbia College. He remained there until 1798, when then Governor John Jay appointed Kent to a judgeship on the New York State Supreme Court. He became chief justice of the court in 1804 and Chancellor of the New York State Court of Chancery.

Forced to retire as Chancellor in 1824, he accepted reappointment to the law professorship at Columbia. Here, he devoted much time to writing the Commentaries on American Law which became one of the foremost legal treatices.

Kent was also involved in politics, having served three terms in the New York State Assembly during the 1790's. His affiliation was at first with the Federalist Party, and after its demise he joined the Whig Party.

Biographical Note