J.C. Jackson 1842-1930
The following excerpt was written in 1904 while J.C. Jackson was living:
“J. C. Jackson was born June 20, 1842, and was raised on a farm in Sumner County, Tennessee. He came to Marion when eighteen years old, where he still resides. Until 1878 he followed the trade of carpenter and builder, when he took a hand in politics and served as Deputy Sheriff until 1882. From 1882 to 1886 he was Clerk of the County. In 1877 he was first elected mayor, serving one term, but was re-elected in 1883 and again in 1885, breaking the record by serving three successive terms. He served several terms as Alderman and member of the School Board, and was School Treasurer for twelve years. While himself a member of the M. E. Church South (Market), he is one of the trustees of the M. E. Church North (W. Main), to which his family belongs. He was married August 25, 1863, to Cynthia E. Calvert, daughter of Napoleon B. Calvert, three years after coming to Marion, when twenty one years old. Five children are the fruit of this union, three of whom are still living. A Democrat in politics, he first voted for Geo. B. McClelland for president. “ (Excerpt from 1905 Souvenir Book, WCHS)
James Charlton Jackson’s parents were William Jackson and Sarah B. Barlram, both from Tennessee. James and Cynthia Jackson built a home and lived at 110 N. Liberty Street from about 1885 to about 1918. Into his 30’s James was a carpenter and in the late 1800’s opened J.C. Jackson and Son Furniture at 105 W. Main St. which appears to be active from about 1900 thru about 1915. By 1930 they had moved to 402 S. Madison St where in the late 1920’s they shared the home with their daughter Augusta, a school teacher, and her husband Dr. James S. Barter. Dr. Barter had a dental practice at 901 Public Square but died before 1930 leaving Augusta a widower. She lived with her parents till their death then moved to 402 E. Warder St. She never remarried. According to census data from 1870 thru 1930, James and Cynthia had a daughter Florence M. who married John M. Bainbridge on Feb 1, 1891 but died by the 1900 census. The son from that marriage, Joe Bainbridge, lived with James and Cynthia into his twenties and worked at his grandfather’s furniture store as a salesman. Their son Earl B. Jackson worked with his father at the family furniture store and became a prominent citizen of his own standing and active in Marion’s affairs.
James’s political life is as follows; City Board Trustee in 1869 and 1873, City Alderman in 1875 and 1876, Mayor in 1877-78, Mayor from 1883 thru 1886, took School census 1879, City Alderman 1899 thru 1900. Mrs. J. C. Jackson was assistant principal for the local school in 1861-62.
James C. Jackson died on November 4, 1930 at 88 years old. He was buried the following day at Rose Hill Cemetery.
(Compiled from 1905 Souvenir book, WCHS, federal census records and IRAD by Sam Lattuca 12/16/2012)