My Genealogy Hound

EDGAR A. JACKS. In the several departments of the paper manufacturing industry, Niles holds a position of special prominence among the leading cities of southwestern Michigan. Two of its most important manufactories are the Ohio Paper Company and the Niles Paper Mill Company, of both of which Mr. Jacks is Secretary. While the two plants are separate, they are conducted under the same management, and the machinery is of the latest and most highly approved designs, being impelled by three large Corliss engines and having fifteen immense boilers. The fuel used is crude petroleum, and steam is the motive power. Steady employment is given to a force of two hundred men in all the departments. The Niles Paper Company manufactures wrapping paper of every kind, and the Ohio Paper Company makes a specialty of plain and fancy cardboard.

Our readers will be interested in learning something concerning the life of the man to whom the success of these enterprises is largely due. Edgar A. Jacks was born in the city of Milwaukee, Wis., February 23, 1851. His father, Alexander A., was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Michigan in 1871 and located in Niles. Here he established a mill on the dam of the St. Joseph River immediately above the city. This was incorporated under the name of the Niles Paper Mill Company and was under his immediate personal supervision from the time it was established until the date of his death in 1887, his specialty meantime being the manufacture of wrapping paper. His wife, Sarah A. (Sparling) Jacks, was a native of New York State and died in Niles.

In the city of Milwaukee our subject gained the rudiments of his education, which were afterward supplemented by attendance at the Janesville schools and a private school taught by Rev. John Durling. At Janesville, Wis., he learned the trade of a jeweler and followed that business in Niles for a short time. In 1873 he entered the paper mill to assist his father as book-keeper and secretary, and continued in that capacity until the death of his father, when he succeeded to the Presidency of the Niles Paper Mill Company. In 1890 he disposed of his interest in that mill, although he was still retained as secretary of the company. During the ensuing year he became interested in both the Niles and Ohio companies and has since filled the position of Secretary. He is also largely interested in the new mills at Allegan, Mich., of which he is Treasurer, and which manufacture wrapping paper exclusively.

Aside from his business, Mr. Jacks has other interests that are important. He is Director in the Building and Loan Association of Niles and is a stockholder in the First National Bank of this city. Politically he is firm in his adherence to the platform adopted by the Republican party. A very important event in his life was his marriage, which occurred October 13, 1875, and united him with Miss Carrie H. Mallett, of Niles. Mr. and Mrs. Jacks have five children. With his wife, our subject holds membership in the Trinity Episcopal Church, of which he is a Vestryman.