The Jackson Families of Des Moines County, Iowa

EDGAR THOMAS JACKSON.

In preparing a work of reference of this nature for the use of later generations, the historian is proud to record the names and achievements of the brave pioneers who came when the country was new, and braved the hardships of frontier life in order to open the way for the civilization, wealth, and prosperity that we now enjoy. E. T. Jackson, whose name leads this article, is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families that have won distinction and respect in Des Moines county.

The founder of this family in Des Moines county was Xehemiah H. Jackson, grandfather of our subject, who came to this region when it was government land, and homesteaded a large tract. Xehemiah Jackson, was born at Addison, Addison county, Wt., in the year 1801. and lived there till manhood. Some time after his marriage he went to New York State, near Oswego, where he remained for two years. From there he moved with his father, the great-grandfather of our subject, to Illinois, where he remained one year, and in 1834 came to Iowa.

The trip from New York to Illinois was made in a wagon drawn by an ox-team, six weeks being required to make the journey. On coming to Iowa, Nehemiah Jackson homesteaded a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Section 19, Benton township). the present farm of our subject, his grandson, as well as the farm on which another grandson, Burton Jackson, now resides. Here he built a log cabin, by his own labor even splitting the clapboard for a roof, and hewing a floor out of split hickory with an adze. After lie had made the beginning of the new linie, he brought his family from Illinois, they arriving in June, 1835.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EDWARD J. JACKSON, a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 14, Franklin Towrl- ? ship, Des Moines Co., Iowa, was born in Luzerne County, Pa., Jan. 31, 1824, and is the son of William and Jerusha (Inraan) Jackson, both of whom were also natives of Luzerne County, and there their children were born. They are as follows: Elizabeth, the eldest, and the widow of Alexander Ray, makes her home with our subject.

Her husband was a dealer in raining stocks, and, while on a trip to France to see about his mining interests, was taken sick and died, leaving two children— Louis, a harness-maker, and Eugenia, the wife of Robert Buckingham, of Los Angeles, C'al. George A., the eldest son, is a farmer in Franklin Township; Martha, a resident of Dodgeville, Iowa, is the widow of Joshua Downer; William, a farmer of Franklin Township; Margaret, wife of Jesse Wassom, also a farmer in that township; James, also engaged in farming in the same township; Lavina, wife of C. B. Kline, a merchant and farmer residing in Dodgville, Iowa; Jerusha, who died in 1862; Susan, who became the wife of AVilliam Thompson, died, leaving one child, William Samuel. The Jackson family settled in Luzerne County, Pa., prior to the Revolutionary War, though they had previously been residents of Connecticut. The Inman family came from Rhode Island, and four of the brothers of Mrs. Jackson were killed in the massacre at Wj'coming. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson remained in their native county until 1842, when they emigrated to Des Moines County, Iowa, where Mr. Jackson had two years prior purchased land. They made the trip by team to Pittsburgh, and from there by boat to Burlington, reaching their destination in June, 1842. At this time the country was almost an unbroken wilderness, and the family lived in true pioneer style. On section 14, where Edward now resides, 440 acres of partly improved land had been purchased, and upon it stands the primitive log cabin which was erected in the fall of 1843. Mr. Jackson was permitted to enjoy his new home but a short time, his death occurring in 1845, at the age of fifty'-three years. His wife survived him until 1862, aged sixty-two years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Jackson of the Presbyterian.

Upon the death of his father, our subject at once took charge of the home farm, and, with the aid of his brothers, who are all comfortably situated, each owning farms for themselves, soon had the land in a flue state of cultivation. In 1858 the marriage of Edward Jackson and Miss Abigail Chase, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., was celebrated.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE KRAMER JACKSON.

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(george K. Jack.son. of this review, performed his full share in the work of cultivation and development upon the old

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

WILLIAM HARVEY JACKSON.

'ii.i.i. \i H.VKViiv J.\CK.S( for many years interested in general farming in Franklin township, was born in Luzerne county. Pennsvlvania. Xov. j8,

1829, his parents being William and Jerusha (Inman) Jackson, who were also natives of Luzerne county. The father was born in 1793. In the year 1842 the family came to the Middle West, taking up their above in Jackson township. The journey was made by team from their old home in Pennsylvania to Pittsburg, thence down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers, reaching Uurlington in the spring of that year. The father had previously purchased land in the vicinity of.'>l)erry. becoming owner of one hundred and si.xty acres of prairie land and an equal amount of timber land. He resolutely set to work to develop a new farm in the midst of a pioneer district, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring the following year. He was survived for some time by his wife, and their eldest son took charge of the old homestead.

William H. Jackson, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of twelve years when the family came to the West, and has since lived in this county. His education was acquired in the public schools, and he received ample training at farm labor upon the old home place, where he remained up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on Feb. ( 1831. The lady of his choice was Miss Adeline Wasso, who was born in Tennessee; a daughter of Jonathan Wasso, also a native of that State, who came to this county some years after the arrival of the Jackson family.

Subsequent to his marriage 'william 1 L Jackson resided for two years upon his father-in-law's farm, and then purchased eighty acres of land on Section 3, I'r.inklin township, for which he paid ten dollars an acre. With renewed energy and determination he began the further development and improvement of this property, and has added to his place until he now owns one hundred acres in Franklin township and went'-fivc acres in Benton township. It was wild prairie when it came into his possession, and he at first erected a rough cabin, but in course of time added substantial and modern buildings to his farm, erecting his ])present residence in 1868. In all of his work he has been enterprising and progressive, and his life industry is indicated in the excellent appearance of the home place.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born nine children: Edward Andrew, now connected with the Iowa Soap Company, of Burlington: Catherine, at home; Lewis, a farmer, residing near Muscatine, Iowa; Henry, a farmer in Louisa county. Iowa; James, a resident farmer of Franklin township; Edith, the wife of Frank Doran,_ of Huron township, this county; Emma, the wife of Edgar Jackson, of Benton township; Jessie, who died Julv 19, 1877, at the age of seven years; and John, who is operating the home farm, carrying on general agricultural pursuits. The wife and mother died June 29, 1879, her death being (lee])ly deplored by many friends.

Mr. Jackson was one of the charter members of the Grange, and has always been interested in everything pertaining to the agricultural development of the community. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy, and he is a member of the Baptist church. For more than six decades he has lived in this county, and is therefore numbered among the pioneer settlers. He was one of those who early followed the Indian occupancy of this district, and he lived here when deer and other wild game could be had on the prairies by the hunter. His interest in community affairs has always been that of a public-spirited citizen, and he is to-day regarded as one of the prominent and respected agriculturists of his township.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

James Jackson, of Franklin township, is a representative of one of the old colonial families. His great grandfather, and his grandfather, William Jackson, were in the Wyoming massacre, when the Indians fell upon the little, unprotected town in Pennsylvania and ruthlessly murdered nearly all of the men, women, and children there. WilIiam Jackson and his father, however, were among the few who made their escape to the fort.

William Jackson, Jr., father of our subject, was a native of the Keystone State, born in Luzerne county, where he wedded Jerusha Inman, who was also a native of that county, and a daughter of Edwm Inman. With several neighbors, William Jackson, Jr., emigrated westward, making his way to Des Moines county. This was in the year 1840, and he purchased four hundred acres of land in Franklin township.

In 1842, having completed his arrangements for a home in the 'est, he brought his family to Iowa, making the journey to Pittsburg by wagon, and thence by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi River, to Burlington. His farm was only twelve miles from that city. He had purchased a claim from a man by the name of Buckhart. who emigrated to Oregon. About one-half of the land was raw prairie. Mr. Jackson fenced the place and made improvements thereon, continuing its cultivation and developments until his death, in 1846. At that time his eldest son, Edward, took charge of the farm, and the mother continued to reside upon the home place until her death, which occurred in 1862.

James Jackson, who was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1831, was a youth of about eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa. Here he was reared upon the old homestead farm; and the daily life of the pioneer settler, with its hardships and privations, its pleasures and joys, became familiar to him. After his father's death he continued upon the old homestead with his mother until his marriage.

March 9, 1854, he wedded Miss Mary A. McMichael, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Archibald McMichael, who was a native of the Keystone State. Her mother bore the maiden name of Mary McLaughlin, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa. They came to Des Moines county in 1840, making the journey by canal to Pittsburg, and thence crossing the Allegheny Jklountains on the old gravity railway.

Mrs. Jackson spent her girlhood days with her parents, and was trained to the duties of the household: so she was well prepared to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. Her father was one of the government surveyors, and was prominent and influential in public life. He served in the State Legislature for one term, when Iowa City was the capitol. Mrs. Jackson's maternal grandmother was twice married, her first husband, A. Frazier, being one of the body guard to King George the Third, of England.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been born the following named: 'william W., of Mediapolis: Minnie, the widow of John Barnes, also of Alediapolis; Edward, of the same place; Rose, the wife of J.

Collier, a resilient farmer of Henry county, Iowa; Lucy, the wife of J. A. Cowger, of Mediapolis; Lewis, who died in 1895, at the age of twenty-eight years; Susan, who (lied in iSSs. at the age of eight 3'ears; and Abbie E., who is at home with her parents.

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

SMITH H. JACKSON.

Smith H. J.vcksox, one of the most e.extensive farmers of I'Vanklin township, operating three hundred acres, and engaged in raising and dealing in horses, cattle, and hogs, was born Nov. 6, 1862, in Franklin township, within the borders of which he still makes his home. His parents were Edward and Abigail (Chase) Jackson, natives of Pennsylvania and Xew York, respectively, and with his parents the father came to this State in 184J, the family home being established on a farm on Section 14, Franklin township, which the grandfather, 'william Andrew Jackson, purchased, and on which he and his wife, Jerusha. lived luitil called to their final rest. Edward

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Smith H. Jackson was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the period, acquiring his education in the puldic schools, and gaining an intimate knowledge of the best methods of farming from the instruction of his father and the experience which he received in the work of the fields. He continued upon the home farm imtil 1898, when he removed to his present jjlace of residence on the John JMcCuUough farm of two hundred and forty acres, of which two hundred acres are in cidtivation. Here he cultivates corn and oats, and is also engaged quite extensively in raising and breeding horses, cattle, and hogs. He still owns and operates the home place of sixty acres, and in addition he has ten acres of timber land. He is practical and progressive in all his farm work, and is meeting with creditable success in his undertakings.

Nov. 6, 1888, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Ida B. Guelick, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, and is a daughter of Lee and Nancy (Gregory) Guelick. The children of this marriage are four in number: Ilirr, born Nov. 19, 1889; Inez, born Jan. 2y, 1896; Nellie, born May 7, 1900; and Horace, born Aug. 24, 1902, all at home. The parents are faithful members of the Baptist church, of Sperry, and Mr. Jackson is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In his political views he is a Democrat, and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every true

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As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FRANK OSCAR JACKSON.

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Iwrn Aug. 5. 1862: Andrew Peter lives in Mediapolis, Iowa; Anna deil when very young; John Wictor also resides in Mediapolis; Ellen Caroline married Albert Jackson, of Huron township; Jacob Albert died when twenty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were both devoted members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and were active workers in the same. Mrs. Jackson died Feb. 22, HJ05, and is buried in the Swedish Lutheran cemetery.

Our subject received his education in the district schools of Huron township, and was reared a farmer. He is carrying on his father's farm of fift_\-nine acres in Section 26, Huron township), and also farms fifty-five acres outside of this.

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Mrs. Swanson was one of the charter members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and died Nov. 30, 1903, and is buried in the cemetery of this church. Mr. Jackson is progressive and enterprising, and by close attention to all the details of agriculture has won much success in business, and by his fair and many dealings he has established a good reputation, and county his friends by the hundreds.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN ALBERT JACKSON.

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It was upon the old homestead that Mr. Jackson was reared, and in the public schools of Hurontownship he pursued his education, his parents having removed from Union to Huron township during his infancy. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that devolve upon the agriculturist. About i8f;5 he purchased twenty acres of land on Section 16, Huron township, from J. E. Anderson; and in ipo he bought forty acres more, on Section 16, from Mrs. Peter Johnson. He lives, however, in a house erected on the eighty-acre tract of land belonging to his father, on Section 10, Huron township, there being no buildings upon his own forty-acre tract. He carries on general farming, his fields being well tilled, and to the further cultivation and development of his property he devotes his energies year by year, imlil he has now accumulated a comfortable competence and is classed with the substantial young agriculturists of his community. He has good stock upon his place, now raising about ten head of cattle and forty head of hogs each year, and he also raises some horses.

On Oct. 19, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jackson and Miss Ellen Jackson, a daughter of Alfred and Christina Jackson. She was born in Huron township, and they now have two children: Plummie, born Sept, 24, 1899; and Mildred, born Dec. 12, 1900.

Mr. Jackson is recognized as one of the leading representatives of the Republican party in his locality. In 1902 he was elected constable in his township, but would not serve. The following year, however, he was elected trustee, and is now filling that office, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He is always true to every trust reposed in him, and is known among his friends and neighbors as an honorable, upright man. Both he and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and are loyal to its faith and teachings.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.