BIOGRAPHY: Henry C. JACKSON, Mifflin County, PA
Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by P. S. Barr
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The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising
the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania.
Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, pages 506.
HENRY C. JACKSON, Lewistown, Pa., was born at Lewistown, October 18, 1860, and
is a son of Robert A. and Lavinia (Stahl) Jackson, of Scotch and German ancestry
respectively. Robert A. Jackson came early in life to Mifflin, where he was
reared, educated in the common schools, and learned cabinet-making. After
acquiring this handicraft, he was for many years a journeyman in the
establishments of Anthony Felix and of Robert McClintock. Mr. Jackson was a
skilled and intelligent workman, and a worthy citizen. He was married at
Mifflintown to Lavinia, daughter of Henry and Susan Stahl. Their children are:
Annie M., married Wilbur Cubbison, who died, leaving two children, George and
Carrie, after which she married Joseph Dunmire, and resides in Mifflin county;
Ellen, widow of Adam Rankin, has one child, resides in Lewistown; James A., of
Lewistown, married first Miss Reed, and after her death Elizabeth Miller;
Charles, of Lewistown, married Nettie Aurandt, has one child; Henry C.; Susan
M. (Mrs. W. H. Houtz), of Lewistown, has one child. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A.
Jackson were of excellent Christian character, members of the Presbyterian
congregation at Lewistown; Mrs. Jackson was an estimable lady, a good neighbor
and friend. She died in 1890, and her husband in 1888.
After attending the common schools, Henry C. Jackson was employed in the store
of Willis & McCoy, and afterwards with Willis & Schoch, of Lewistown. These
engagements occupied about seven years, during which time he gained considerable
experience in mercantile business. In 1879 he entered the employ of the
Glamorgan Iron Company as clerk. It was not long before he rose to the position
of foundry man, and served under the superintendence successively of the late
Col. William Willis, H. R. Knotwell, Thomas W. McEwen, William Kelley, and
Austin Farrell. During the term of Mr. McEwen, Mr. Jackson began business for
himself by entering into a contract with the company for handling and shipping
its product. The undertaking was a laborious one, but by strict attention to
business was made successful. From 1886 to 1888, Mr. Jackson resided in
Granville; in the latter year he again entered the establishment of Willis &
Schoch; in 1889 the firm was dissolved, Mr. Willis carrying on the business
until 1890, when he sold out. Mr. Jackson remained in his employ up to that
time, and then engaged in milling at Lewistown, in partnership with I. H.
Rodgers, the firm being styled Rodgers & Jackson. By mutual consent, the
connection was dissolved in 1891, and Mr. Jackson embarked in mercantile
business on West Market street; this enterprise has so prospered under his
capable and prudent management that is 1896 he was compelled to enlarge his
store to meet the demands of his growing trade. Mr. Jackson has thus made his
own way by persevering application and by wise business methods to a position
of comfort and influence, in which he is able to be of service not only to his
family and friends, but to the community; to aid local enterprises, and to
encourage and promote the work of the church. He is an advocate of fraternal
organizations, and a member of Lodge No. 203, F. and A. M., and of Lodge No.
270, K. of M. He was married September 20, 1881, to Annie D. Kerstetter, of
Mifflin county. Their children are: Annie; and Esther Consuelo. Mr. and Mrs.
Jackson are members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of
William Kerstetter, who was born and reared in Snyder county, Pa., and died in
1888. Leah, his wife, was also born and reared in Snyder county, pa. She now
resides at Wagner, Mifflin county, at the age of about sixty-one years. It is
generally conceded that H. C. Jackson has the largest and best equipped
department general store in Mifflin county, managed on business principles.