The Jackson Families of Muscatine County, Iowa

PETER JACKSON, retired; one of the oldest settlers in Muscatine, and the senior bank officer in the city; he is a native of Scotland, and was born April 30, 1816; he grew up to manhood there, and emigrated to America in 1837; after spending the summer in New York, he came to Muscatine, Iowa, in the summer of 1838, bought a lot and arranged to locate here; in March, 1839, he came here and settled permanently, and entered the store of Adam Ogilvie, as clerk, in the winter of 1840-41; he became interested with Mr. Ogilvie in the mercantile business; they also engaged in packing pork, and packed the first pork in this section of the State; in 1845, Mr. Ogilvie retired from the firm, and Mr. Jackson continued the business until the spring of 1856, when he retired from the mercantile business. In the spring of 1865, he, with several others, organized the Merchants' Exchange Bank; in the following November, the bank was organized under the National.system, and Mr. Jackson was elected the first President; he was elected Cashier, and held that position for fourteen years, until January, 1879, when he retired from the active management of the bank. He is Secretary of the Old Settlers' Association. Mr. Jackstm married Miss (J. Sinclair, a native of Canada, in 1857; they have three children — Douglas V., Charles P. and Anna M. Mr. Jackson has one son, George B., by a former wife.

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

GEORGE B. JACKSON.

There are certain qualities which are indispensable elements of success. Industry, perseverance and sound judgment ever constitute the foundation upon which prosperity is builded and, possessing these qualities in large measure, George B. Jackson is steadily working his way upward to a prominent position among the business men of Muscatine, being now president of the Jackson Motor Car Company, conducting an extensive garage and also engaging in the sale of automobiles at the southwest corner of Iowa avenue and Fourth street. He is one of the native sons of Muscatine, his birth having occurred on the 28th of November, 1851.

His parents were Peter and Nancy (Cox) Jackson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Indiana. The paternal grandfather, William Jackson, spent his entire life in the land of hills and weather, where he died when more than sixty years of age. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and a daughter: James; William, who died in Scotland; Margaret, the deceased wife of Douglas Velie; Peter; and Alexander. The maternal grandfather of George B. Jackson was of Scotch-Irish lineage and became an early settler of Muscatine county. His family numbered four daughters, including Nancy, Elmira and Mrs. John Kane. The first named became the wife of Peter Jackson, who had learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Scotland and came to America in 1837. In the fall of the following year he made his way westward to Muscatine, which at that time was little more than a trading post on the frontier.

In 189 he took up his above here permanently and established a general store, which he continued for a few years, also acting as local steamboat agent. He then became cashier of the Merchants Exchange Bank, which later changed its name to the First National Rank. For a long period he filled that position and his business ability, enterprise and intelligently directed effort contributed in substantial measure to the growth and successful development of the bank. He died in 1901 at the venerable age of more than eighty-four years. His first wife passed away in 1855 when about thirty-three years of age. He later married Miss Christiana Sinclair. There were three children of the first marriage: Isabel, who died in early womanhood; Marie, who passed away in infancy; and George B., of this review. There were four children born of the second marriage: Henry, who passed away in infancy; Douglas Velie, of Muscatine; Charles P., also of this city; and Anna Mable, the deceased wife of Milton H. Patten, of Des Moines.

George B. Jackson now makes his home in the block in which his birth occurred. He attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. After the completion of his education he entered business circles as clerk in a general store and carefully saved his earnings until he acquired sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 188 1, therefore, he established a dry-goods store, which he conducted with success for twenty years, or until 1901. In the meantime he had increased his stock to meet the growing demands of his trade, for his progressive methods and honorable dealings brought to him a constantly increasing patronage. For two years he lived retired and then turned his attention to the electrical supply business. In 1905 he became interested in the automobile business and in 1909 built the fine garage at the corner of Iowa avenue and Fourth street, where he is still located. He handles some of the standard makes of machines and also conducts a storage and repair department. His business in this connection has become extensive and profitable, indicating the careful management and progressive spirit of Mr. Jackson.

On the 9th of June, 1875, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Clementine Hague, who was born in Mansfield, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (McColm) Hague, natives of Virginia and Indiana respectively. Her father was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river and was drowned at St. Louis. Her mother survived him and after the Civil war came to Muscatine where she died when more than seventy years of age. There were two children of that marriage, Clementine and William. Mrs. Hague married a second time, becoming the wife of the Rev. W. T. Watkins, and they had two children, May and Frank. Mr. Watkins also passed away and his widow became the wife of W. D. Ament, of Muscatine.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, Bruce P., who is now a partner with his father in the automobile business. He married Miss Ethel Epperly and they have one son, George B. The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Jackson belongs to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; Webb Council, R. & S. M.; Zarephath Consistory, S. P. R. S.; and Kaaba Temple, N. M. S. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he does not seek nor desire public office. His worth is well known and his fellow townsmen esteem him highly for in all of his business career he has closely adhered to strict commercial ethics, winning his success by honorable and persistent purpose.

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

JUDGE DOUGLAS V. JACKSON.

With a mind preeminently of judicial cast, capable of an impartial view of both sides of a question and of arriving at a just conclusion. Judge Douglas V. Jackson has made an enviable record as the presiding officer of the district court and is leaving a most creditable impress upon the judicial history of the state. He makes his home in Muscatine, his native city, his birth having here occurred November 17, 1859.

His parents were Peter and Christiana (Sinclair) Jackson. The father, a native of Scotland, was born April 30, 1816, and spent his youthful days in the town of Keith. Attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning America, he crossed the Atlantic in 1837 when twenty-one years of ag and spent the summer in New York. He then made his way to Muscatine in 1838, finding here a small village upon the western frontier. He purchased a lot and made arrangements to establish a permanent home in this city, which he did in March, 1839. He was first connected with the business interests of Muscatine as a clerk in the store of Adam Ogilvie in the winter of 1840-41. His business ability was recognized by his employer, who admitted him to a partnership and in addition to conducting a general mercantile enterprise they also engaged in the commission and forwarding business, being agent for one of the packet companies and likewise made pork packing a branch of their undertaking, packing the first pork in this section of the state. In 1845:\Mr. Ogilvie retired, Mr. Jackson continuing the business alone until the spring of 1856, when he disposed of his mercantile interests, confining his attention to the other lines. His ambition and energy, however, sought scope in other fields and in the spring of 1865 he joined with several prominent business men of Muscatine in organizing the Merchants Exchange Bank, which in the following November was reorganized under the national banking system as the First National Bank, of which Mr. Jackson became the first president. Later he retired from that position but continued as cashier for fourteen years, or until January, 1879, when he ceased to be an active factor in the management of the bank although retaining his stock. The last ten years of his life were spent in retirement from all lines of business but he never ceased to feel a deep interest in the welfare and progress of his community and to the extent of his power cooperated in movements for the general good. At one time he was secretary of the Old Settlers Association and was very prominent among the early residents of this part of the state. In 1857, in Canada, he married Miss Christiana Sinclair and unto them were born four children: Douglas V.; Charles P., of Muscatine; Anna Mabel, the deceased wife of H. M. Patton, formerly of Muscatine but now of Des Moines; and one who died in infancy. He also had a son, George B. Jackson, born of a former marriage. The death of Peter Jackson occurred in 1901 when he was eighty-five years of age, and he is still survived by his wife, who has reached the age of seventy-seven years. Both were devoted members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Jackson is a daughter of Archibald Sinclair, a native of Scotland, who on emigrating to Canada had established his home near Toronto.

Judge Jackson was reared in Muscatine and his present home stands in the same block in which he was born. He is indebted to the public-school system for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed and then, entering the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, completed the course with the class of 1879. In preparation for his profession he entered the law department of the Iowa State University and was graduated in 1881. Admitted to the bar in the same year, he has practiced continuously in Muscatine and was a member of the firm of Titus & Jackson from 1886 until his election as judge of the district court in 1902. He has since sat upon the bench and has recently been reelected. He has much natural ability but is withal a hard student and in private practice was never contented until he had mastered every detail of his cases. He was never surprised at some unexpected discovery by an opposing lawyer, for in his mind he weighed every point and fortified himself as well for defense as for attack. His record as a judge is in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer, distinguished by unswerving fidelity to duty and a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. While in active practice and on the bench he has won well earned fame and distinction.

On the lath of September, 1885, Judge Jackson was married to Miss Alberta Jarvis, a native of Florence, Alabama, and a daughter of Charles A. and Miranda (Woodin) Jarvis. Their children are Robert Sinclair and Louis Douglas, at home; and Margaret, who died in infancy. The elder son is now pursuing his education in the State University at Iowa City, while the younger son is a high-school student.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the Judge is serving as a trustee and in the various departments of church work they take an active and helpful interest. He also belongs to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M.; to Washington chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.; to Webb Council, R. & S. M.; and to the Knights of Pythias lodge. His political indorsement has always been given to the republican party and in 1895 he was elected states attorney but at the close of his term declined renomination. There is an interesting military chapter in his life record, in that he was colonel of the Fiftieth Iowa Volunteers at the time of the Spanish-American war, and he has been connected with the Iowa National Guard for many years, winning his way gradually from the ranks to the colonelcy. His business interests aside from his profession are represented in the vice presidency of the First National Bank. He is appreciative of the social amenities of life, enjoys outdoor sports and recreation and is president of the Geneva Country Golf Club. He is recognized as a man of well balanced character and abilities, and his talents have gained him preeminence in his chosen profession, while his strongly marked personal characteristics have won for him the warm friendship and kindly regard of those with whom he has been associated.

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

ALEXANDER JACKSON, retired; is a native of Scotland, and was born May 9, 1818; when 17 years of age, he came to America, in 1835, and went to Albany and learned the trade of harness-maker; he came to Iowa in 1839, but did not remain; he came to Muscatine and settled permanently in the spring of 1843, and began working at his trade; he continued in the harness business for fifteen years; since then he has held the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Gas Company, and had the active management of the business until within the past eighteen months; he has held town and school offices, and is the only survivor of the original Directors of the

Muscatine National Baak; Mr. Jackson built the house where he now lives, on the corner of Spruce and Second streets, over thirty years ago; people then wondered why he went so far in the country to build his house. He married Lucy Ann Daily, from Chillicothe, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1845; they have had five children; three survive — Mary, Lucy and Frank.

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

Frank Jackson, now retired, who is recognized as one of the responsible citizens of Muscatine, was born in this city. January 18, 1855, of Scotch descent. He is a son of Alexander and Lucy Ann (Daily) Jackson, the former of whom was born in Scotland, May 9, 1818, and the latter in Chillicothe, Ohio. At seventeen years of age Alexander Jackson left his native country to seek his fortune. He came to Albany, New York, where he learned the harnessmaker's trade, working later in New York city, Cincinnati, St. Louis. and Galena, Illinois. He first came to Iowa in 1839 but did not remain at that time. In 1843 he settled permanently at Muscatine and began working at his trade, conducting a harness shop for fifteen years. He then became connected with the Muscatine Gas Company as secretary and treasurer and was for many years active in its management. He was one of the original directors of the old Mu-line National Bank and was president of the water works until the disposal of the same to the city. He was an earnest friend of education and held various school and town offices, being regarded as one of the most trustworthy and public-spirited citizens of Muscatine. He and his wife were active workers in many ways in behalf of the community and were valued members of the Congregational church. Mr. Jackson was called from earthly scenes in 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife died in 1896, being then seventy-five years of age. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Mary, the wife of S. B. Cook; Lucy, now Mrs. Ogilvie; and Frank, our subject.

Educated in the public schools, Frank Jackson grew to manhood under the kindly influences of a happy home and began his business career as errand boy in the old Muscatine National Bank. In his early manhood he went to Chicago, where he was employed as clerk for five years in the wholesale hardware establishment of Seeberger & Breakey. After resigning from this position he was connected for one year with the retail hardware business at Danville, Illinois. Returning to Muscatine in 1878, he was employed for two years in a retail grocery store and then spent one year rating logs on the Mississippi river. About 1885 he entered the wholesale grocery business in this city, to which he devoted his attention for twenty years and gained a wide reputation as one of the substantial business men of the city. He has been living retired for the past five years.

On the loth of August, 1887, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara C. (Bumeby) Wheeler, a daughter of Edward and Lydia (Sunbury) Burneby, both of whom were natives of Canada. Mrs. Jackson first married Arthur Wheeler and lived in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he died, and she subsequently came to Iowa, where her parents were then living, here becoming acquainted with Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson is not connected with any religious organization nor has he ever been an active worker in politics, preferring rather to devote his energies to his private interests. Being gifted with good business capacity and executive force, he early won recognition and for many years was one of the capable and energetic men of the community. He is now enjoying at ease the results of his diligence and application.

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