Delegates to the Constitutional Convention

State: New Jersey

Age at Convention: 42

Date of Birth: 06/11/1745

Date of Death: 08/16/1790

Schooling: Princeton (did not graduate originally), Honorary M.A. Princeton 1781

Occupation: Lawyer, Soldier

Prior Political Experience: Chief Justice of New Jersey Supreme Court 1779-1787

Committee Assignments: Third Committee of Representation, Committee of Leftovers (Chair)

Convention Contributions: Brearly was a reliable supporter of the New Jersey Plan, maintaining regular attendance throughout the convention. William Pierce described him as “a man of good, rather than of brilliant parts.”
New Government Participation: Brearly continued to serve as the Chief Justice of New Jersey Supreme Court until 1789 when he became a Federal District Judge until his death a year later in 1790. During this time, he also served as a presidential elector in 1789.