Edward Jackson is a native of Hancock county, having been born in Brandywine township on the 22^nd of September, 1850. He is the son of Robert and Eliza (Randall) Jackson, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. This worthy couple came to Indiana in an early day and settled in Brandywine township, where was situated the Randall place, a part of which the subject’s mother inherited . It was wild and unimproved land, but, with strong hands and willing hearts they at once cleared it up and it was the paternal homestead from 1847 to 1876. Here the father passed away in 1863 and the mother in 1876; Robert Jackson was a lifelong farmer. They were the parents of six children, who are briefly mentioned as follows: Edward, the oldest, is the subject of this sketch; Sarah is a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana; William L. lives in Blue River township, this county; Mary E. is deceased; Elmer lives in Blue River township. These children had very slight opportunities afforded them for obtaining an education, their help being required in the work of clearing and cultivating the farm.

Upon the death of his parents Edward Jackson obtained employment with John Hinchman, of Center township, with whom he remained for nine years. In 1874 he determined to be independent in his endeavors, and located on a farm formerly known as the Boyd place, four miles north of Greenfield. He remained on this place six years, after which he served for two years as constable of Greenfield, and at the same time was to a greater or less extent employed in carpentering. In 1893 he purchased of Jerome Black, of Greenfield, the place upon which he now resides and has since successfully and profitably engaged in its cultivation. He now has two hundred and ten acres under tillage and by persistent energy and a careful attention to details has brought the place up to a high standard of excellence. In addition to the tilling of the soil he also gives considerable attention to stock raising, principally cattle and hogs, and of the latter the Poland China is his favorite breed. He is the possessor of a fine breed of Hereford cattle, of which he is justifiably proud. Among this breed is a valuable thoroughbred bull, "John Purdue," and a thoroughbred cow, "Betsey," also a number of grade cattle of the same breed.

On the 1^st of October, 1874, Edward Jackson led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Sutton of Blue River township, this county. By this union were born three children, of whom two are now deceased. The survivor is Rhoda, who married Alfred Wilhelm, a farmer of Blue River township. Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson died August 9, 1887, and on the 9^th of December, 1888, Mr. Jackson again married, his second wife being Miss Nancy Anderson, of Greenfield. Her parents were Samuel and Sarah (Bixler) Anderson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Shelby county, Indiana. They came to Hancock county a number of years ago and located at Greenfield, where Mr. Anderson pursued his trade, that of wagonmaker, in which he was considered an expert workman. They both passed away at their home in Greenfield. To the present union of the subject and wife one child has been born, Goldie M., a bright young miss, and in her are centered many fond hopes for the future.

Politcially Mr. Jackson find the platform of the Republican party most in harmony with his own views as to what should be the public policy, and consistently supports that party at all elections. Mrs. Jackson is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Jackson has always been a hardworking man, but his labors have not been in vain and he is today enjoying a fair degree of prosperity.

He is classed among the best agriculturists of his township and recognized as a public-spirited citizen, ready at all times to aid in promoting the public improvements of the township, in advancing public instruction and in doing all things at all times for the good of the general public. Socially he and his wife stand high, and any comment on the character of such a citizen as Mr. Jackson would be but to reiteration of the general sentiments of many admiring friends.

Transcribed from Biographical Memoirs of Hancock County B. F. Bowen, Publisher, Logansport, Indiana, 1902 Pages 387-389.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI November 24, 2002.

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