Biographies - Elmira Township

James Monroe Jackson, son of Cyrus and Zaravia (Winters) Jackson, was born June 4, 1825, in Luzerne county, Pa. His father and mother were born in Connecticut. It appears both families moved to Pennsylvania, where Cyrus Jackson married. In 1831 the family moved to New York state, and in 1837 to what is now Penn township of Stark county. Their children are named as follows: Melinda, married, a resident of Henry county; James M., a resident of this township; Sylvia, who died in 1845; Sylvester, married, a citizen of Iowa; Andrew, married, also in Iowa, and Clarissa, married, a resident of this county. The father resided in Penn township until his death in March, 1844, and the mother died in later years as related in pioneer history.

James M. came with his parents to this State and shared their pioneer labors until after his father's death.

On August 11, 1844, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Dall) Sturms, also pioneers of this county. They are the parents of ten children, namely: Henry, of this township, married; Cyrus, of Kingold county, Iowa, single; John, of the same county, married; Brady F. and Walter, of the same county, married; Rebecca, married in Toulon township; Washington, of Hayes county, Neb., married; Tilly, married, a resident of Toulon township; Ella, married, residing in this township and Ernest, single, residing with parents.

Mr. Jackson at one time was a member of the United Brethren Church, but of late years has attended the American Presbyterian Church. For over 15 years he has served as school director and in political life is a Douglas Democrat. His agricultural and stock-growing interests claim his sole attention.