Hon. John H. Jackson

JACKSON, ELLIS, MANGOLD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/9/2015 at 23:17:28

Northwestern Iowa
Its History and Traditions
1804 – 1926

Hon. John H. Jackson figures prominently in northwestern Iowa as a member of the Sioux City bar and as one whose activity and influence have been a potent factor in republican successes. He was born in Albany, Green County, Wisconsin, in 1863, and comes of an old English family that for several generations was connected with the milling business in England. William Jackson, the grandfather, spent his entire life in that country and was quite prominent in local political circles. He never came to the United States, but died in his native land in the ‘50s. His son, John Jackson, was a corn miller and farmer of Woodrow House, Methley, England, and died at the age of seventy-one years. He commenced business as a miller at Ackworth near Pontefract, in 1858, and removed to Fleet mills at Oulton in 1864, there remaining until 1896. In 1881 he began farming at Methley and was also actively interested in local affairs, many of his efforts proving of marked benefit of his community. He was instrumental in securing a water supply at Oulton-Cum-Woodlesford, and he was a member of the Hunlet board of guardians and of the school board. Joseph Jackson, the father of our subject, was born in Pontefract, England, and came to America about 1858. He, too, was a miller by trade and he made his home in the state of Wisconsin to the time of his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Olive Ellis, was also a native of England and with her parents went to Wisconsin about 1849. She died in 1876 at the age of forty-eight years, leaving three children; John H.; Ida, the wife of Bert Ludington, of Janesville, Wisconsin; and Fred B., who is living in Belleville, Wisconsin.

John H. Jackson, of this review, was for sixteen years a resident of Belleville, Wisconsin. After completing his preliminary education in the public schools he attended Ripon College, at Ripon, Wisconsin, for some time and subsequently he removed to Jefferson, Iowa, where he took up the study of law under the direction on Hon. Z.A. Church. At the end of his first year in Jefferson he was appointed deputy clerk of the courts of Green County. He afterwards pursued his law studies in the University of Iowa and was graduated in 1888. He then returned to Greene County and completed his service as deputy clerk. For a year he practiced alone in Scranton, Iowa, and then came to Sioux City in 1890. Here he was associated in practice with William Milchrist until January, 1895, after which he practiced alone until November, 1896. He was then with J.L. Kennedy until 1899 and has since been alone in the prosecution of his profession. As a lawyer he has gained a foremost place at the Woodbury County bar, a distinctively representative clientage being accorded him in recognition of his ability to successfully handle important litigated interests.

Mr. Jackson has also been prominently connected with political affairs in Woodbury County almost continuously since his arrival in Sioux City. He was secretary of the county central committee in 1898 and later became chairman of the committee, successfully directing several city and county campaigns while acting in that capacity. In 1903 he was nominated by his party to the position of state senator and won the election. He made an excellent record as a member of the upper house of the general assembly, being connected with much important constructive legislation and giving at all times careful consideration to the significant problems which came up for settlement. Fraternally Mr. Jackson is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Tyrian Lodge, A.F. & A.M.; Columbian Commandery, No. 18, K.T.; and Abu-Bekr Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. He is also a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and the Sioux City Boat Club. He attends the services of the Scientist church. Mr. Jackson takes an active interest in various enterprises for the city’s welfare and has ever upheld the best interests of the county. He is a man firm in his opinions, resolute in his advocacy of what he believes to be right and through a straightforward and honorable business and political career in which there has been no elements that will not stand investigation and scrutiny he has gained the confidence and regards of his fellowmen.

In 1906 Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Mae Mangold, of Sioux City, who is a member of the Midlothian Club and the Bard of Avon Club.