For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 107
GEORGE B. JACKSON. There are certain qualities that are indispensable elements of success. Industry, perseverance and sound judgment ever constitute the foundation upon which prosperity is built 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 heather, 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 1839 he took up his abode here permanently and established a general store, which he continued for a few years, also acting as a local steamboat agent. He then became cashier of the Merchants Exchange Bank, which later changed its name to the First National Bank. 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 Mabel, 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 a 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 1881, 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 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 a 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 had 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.; Zaraphath 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.
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