Early American History

The Original Jersey Boys: Aaron Burr, Jonathan Dayton, and the Ogden Brothers

In the annals of early American history, the names Aaron Burr, Jonathan Dayton, and the Ogden brothers—Aaron and Matthias—stand out as a group of childhood friends who left an indelible mark on the nation’s destiny. Their story is a tale of wealth, power, and scandal, reflecting the boundless opportunities and treacherous pitfalls of the infant United States.

From Elizabethtown to the War

Born into prominent families in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, the Jersey Boys grew up together, forging an unbreakable bond. Burr, the charismatic and independent leader, displayed his rebellious spirit early on, running away from home twice. Dayton, two years younger, was a quieter but equally determined individual. The Ogden brothers, Matthias and Aaron, were known for their size and strength.

As the Revolutionary War erupted in 1775, the Jersey Boys eagerly joined the fight for independence. Matthias Ogden and Burr volunteered for Benedict Arnold’s daring winter invasion of Canada, while Dayton served as a paymaster in his father’s battalion. Aaron Ogden later distinguished himself in the Battle of Yorktown, winning praise from George Washington.

Political Ambitions

After the war, the Jersey Boys embarked on their political careers. Dayton became the youngest delegate to the Constitutional Convention, where he advocated for a strong federal government. Burr, elected as a New York State senator, emerged as a prominent Republican figure. Aaron Ogden practiced law in New Jersey, while Matthias Ogden pursued various business ventures.

The Rise and Fall of Aaron Burr

Burr’s political ambitions reached their peak when he was elected Vice President in 1801. However, his perceived independence led to a bitter rivalry with President Thomas Jefferson. In 1804, Burr’s involvement in a duel with Alexander Hamilton resulted in his political downfall. Indicted for murder, he fled to the West, where he hatched a daring scheme to establish an empire in the Louisiana Territory.

The Jersey Boys and the Burr Conspiracy

Dayton and Aaron Ogden played pivotal roles in Burr’s ill-fated conspiracy. Dayton served as Burr’s chief aide, while Aaron Ogden defended him in the New Jersey murder trial. The plot ultimately failed, and Burr was arrested and tried for treason. However, Chief Justice John Marshall’s landmark ruling acquitted Burr, effectively ending the case against Dayton.

Steamboats and Interstate Commerce

After the Burr conspiracy, the Jersey Boys turned their attention to steamboats, the technological marvel of the era. Aaron Ogden purchased a steam engine plant and challenged Robert Fulton’s monopoly on the Hudson River trade. A lengthy legal battle ensued, culminating in the Supreme Court case Gibbons v. Ogden. Marshall’s ruling struck down Ogden’s monopoly, establishing the federal government’s authority over interstate commerce.

Enduring Friendships and Legacies

Despite their political and financial setbacks, the Jersey Boys’ friendship remained strong. In 1824, Ogden and Dayton jointly hosted the Marquis de Lafayette, a close acquaintance from the Revolutionary War. Dayton passed away a few weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of service and patriotism.

Aaron Ogden and Burr continued to reside in New Jersey for many years. Burr died in 1836, while Ogden passed away in 1839. Their long and eventful lives mirrored the challenges and triumphs of the early American republic, where bold and ambitious individuals could achieve great heights, but also face the consequences of their actions.

The story of the Jersey Boys serves as a testament to the complex and often contradictory nature of human ambition. Their pursuit of wealth and power brought them fame and fortune, but also led to bitter rivalries, political scandals, and personal tragedy. Yet, through it all, their friendship endured, a reminder of the enduring bonds that can shape our lives.