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A. I. Jackson
Born December 8, 1853 |
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Among the many citizens of Monticello whose long period of efficient service has won recognition and admiration from his fellows is A. I. Jackson, the agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway and for the Wells Fargo Express Company at Monticello, Iowa. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, December 8, 1853, a son of Abraham and Lydia (Keese) Jackson. The latter was a native of New York state but as a mere child was taken to Ohio by her parents, who located in Morrow county. The father was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and removed to Morrow county with his parents during boyhood. There he was reared and married, engaging in farming after he reached his maturity. In 1855 he came west to Iowa, locating in Marshall county, where he resided until the late '90s, when he removed to Mt. Pleasant. He died in January, 1907, when in his eighty-first year. His wife had died more than twenty years before, her death having taken place in 1881 when she was only forty-seven years old.
A. I. Jackson was reared at home, being enrolled as a student in the public schools at the usual age. After the completion of his own education he spent two years in teaching and then entered a drug store in Hesper, Iowa. After two years' experience as a clerk, he found that the business was uncongenial and he turned his attention to railroading as his vocation. He secured a position first as switchman in the Calmar yards but on proving his ability two weeks later was placed upon the platform to help check and receive freight. About eighteen months later he was made station baggageman and then was promoted to a clerkship, serving in that capacity until June 1, 1881, when he was appointed agent at Oxford Junction, it being less than six years from the time he entered the railroad service until he obtained this important position. It was even more important at that time than at present for then the machine shops of the whole division of the railroad were located at Oxford Junction and the duties of the station agent were responsible. He remained there until October. 1887, when he was appointed to the position he now holds, having served in this capacity continuously for the past twenty-two years. A man of sterling character and integrity, a good and faithful worker, he enjoys the confidence of his employers, while the efficiency of his services has won the good will and esteem of the people with whom he has come into daily contact.
In 1879 Mr. Jackson married Miss Blanche Woodward, of Calmar, Iowa. In his political views he is a stanch adherent of the republican party, but aside from casting his vote at elections has taken no part in public matters. He is however, active in Masonic circles. He was initiated into Zealous Lodge, No. 435, A.F.&A.M., more than twenty years ago and was exalted to the chapter and commandery. For an equal length of time he has served as eminent commander of the Monticello commandery. He is also a member of El Kahir Temple, A.A.0.N.M.S., of Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Jackson was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, which she joined in her eighteenth year, until two years ago when ill health compelled her to drop from its ranks. During the period of her active membership, however, she served continuously in some official capacity. At present she is a member of the Ninety-four Literary Club, of Which she is secretary. In her many interests she is an able helpmeet to her husband, in whose success she has felt a justifiable pride, as have the citizens of Monticello, who profited through his ability and devotion to duty.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 288. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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