Dayton, Jonathan (1760-1824), a New Jersey political leader, was the youngest signer of the Constitution of the United States. Dayton was 26 years old when he attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787. At the convention, Dayton spoke in favor of giving the states strong powers in the new nation.
Dayton was born on Oct. 16, 1760, in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. He graduated from the College of New Jersey at the age of 16. Dayton later became a captain in the American Revolution (1775-1783). After the revolution, Dayton pursued his interests in law, politics, and investment. He served as a U.S. representative from 1791 to 1799, and as speaker of the House from 1795 to 1799. From 1799 to 1805, Dayton served as a U.S. senator.
Dayton was charged with high treason in 1807. He was believed to be involved in western political schemes with Aaron Burr, vice president of the United States from 1801 to 1805. But Dayton was never tried, and he returned to state politics. Dayton took part in an unsuccessful attempt to buy land in the area of Dayton, Ohio, which is named for him. He died on Oct. 9, 1824.
