Biographies - Elmira Township

John Jackson, born in Rosshire, Scotland, August 15, 1830, is the son of Thomas and Isabella (Hyslop) Jackson. He passed his younger years as a shepherd in Scotland, received a common school education there, and emigrated to America with his father in 1850, and settled in this township.

He was married September 10, 1860, to Miss Eliza Ann Montooth, daughter of Samuel and Jennie Montooth, both natives of Ireland. His wife lived but four years after their marriage, her death taking place in October, 1864.

He married July 3, 1879, Miss Abby Stuart, daughter of Seth and Sally (Harvey) Stuart, both natives of Vermont, noticed in the history of Osceola township.

His first purchase of land was in Osceola township, in 1863, being 160 acres. This he sold in 1864, and in 1868 he purchased 160 acres in Elmira, his present place of residence.

To his second marriage four children were born, namely: Myrtle J., Isabella F., Ida S., and Charles M., all residing at home.

In politics he is a Republican, but takes no active part in campaigns. Like his brothers, he takes a deep interest in school matters, having been director for years, and at present clerk of the board of directors. He was a member of the Union League while that was in existence.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the American Presbyterian church, of Elmira and are considered among the first supporters of everything bearing on the social and agricultural progress of this division of the county.