My Genealogy Hound

William Jackson, stock-dealer, of Lamar Township, Barton County, Mo., and son of William and Lettie (Ellis) Jackson, was born in Bracken County, Ky., October 4, 1843. His parents were both natives of Kentucky, where they grew up, were married, and there remained until 1854, when they moved to Hancock County, Ill., and there passed the remainder of their days. He was an extensive farmer, a Republican in politics, and died at the age of sixty-three years. The mother died at the age of seventy-one years, and both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. William Jackson, the second of nine children, six sons and three daughters, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, being obliged to go a distance of three miles to an old log school-house to receive his learning. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Second Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, U. S. service, and served four years and four months. He was in the battle of Pittsburg, Holly Springs, Mobile and Bolivar. At the battle of Holly Springs a ball struck him in the left side, followed a rib around, and lodged in the muscles of the back. This ball he still carries. After being discharged at New Orleans, he returned to Illinois, where he farmed until 1874, and since has also handled stock of all kinds. In 1866 he married Miss Eva Simms, a native of Virginia, though reared in Illinois, and the fruits of this union were two children: Lettie and Mildred. All the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1880 they came to Lamar, and he has dealt in stock since. He is one of the most extensive stock shippers in the county, and is one of the most successful. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He started in life a poor boy, and has made all his property by his own efforts.