Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 2.djvu/70

 FATHERS OF THE REVOLUTION

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power of the courts to over-rule an uncon- stitutional enactment. In 1789 he was made sole chancellor of the state, resigned hi? professorship, and went to reside in Rich- mond. In 1787, he represented Virginia in the Federal convention at Philadelphia and in 1788 was vice-president of the Virginia state convention, which ratified its work, Mr. Wythe voting for the constitution. He was twice presidential elector on the Re- publican ticket. The honorary degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by William and Mary in 1790. So just and upright was he in his decisions, that he was called the "American Aristides/* and both Thomas

Jefferson and John Marshall studied law under him. The former pronounced him "one of the greatest men of his age." He wa.<i the author of "Decisions in Virgir.t;i by the High Court of Chancery." He di^d from the cfiects of poison, and his preat- nephew, George Wythe Sweeney, was tricci lor the crime, but was acquitted. He died Jure 8. 1806, and was buried in St. John's churchyard, Richmond. He married (sec- ond) Elizabeth Taliaferro, daughter of Richard Taliaferro, of James City county, but he had no surviving issue by either of his wives.