My Genealogy Hound

Richard Jackson is well known by reason of his association with the general mercantile firm of Jackson Dry Goods Company. His career in Greene County has been markedly rapid and successful, and his name stands today among the leading business men of the county. The business was established in 1867, he and his brother, J. R., purchasing the stock of goods formerly owned by Taylor & Miller, which consists of a full line of general merchandise, and he and his present partners are now doing the leading business in Gainesville. He was born in Stoddard County, Mo., in 1843, and was the son of John J. and Emily (Montgomery) Jackson, who were Tennesseans, and came to Missouri at an early period, being among the first settlers of Stoddard County. He was engaged in farming until the late war, then coming to Greene County, Ark., and locating near Gainesville, where he died in 1877, after having led a very active life. He was quite an active politician, and held the office of deputy sheriff of Stoddard County for four years, and sheriff four years after coming to Greene County. He was active in advocating schools, churches, etc. His wife died in 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. Their children all lived to be grown; one son, two daughters and the father died within two months of each other. Those living are Isaiah, Richard and Franklin, the latter being in partnership with his brother, Richard. Richard Jackson attained his eighteenth year in Stoddard County, and remained at home until the breaking out of the Civil War in 1861, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, under Jeff Thompson, and served until the final surrender, taking part in a number of important engagements, and was wounded at Pilot Knob, having his leg broken. He was captured while there, and sent to the hospital at Ironton, and was soon after exchanged. He returned home and there remained until able to get about, when he rejoined his regiment, and continued in service until the close. Again coming home he resumed farming, then clerked in a general store, and in 1867 established his present business, and in addition to this gives much of his attention to real estate, having charge of all the Iron Mountain Railroad lands in the county. He also manages several large stock farms, and deals and trades extensively in stock. He is a Democrat in his political views, and when the county seat was at Gainesville he held the office of treasurer of the county. He has always been a liberal contributor to churches, schools, and all worthy enterprises, and now occupies a high position both in mercantile and social circles. His wife, whose maiden name was Jennie Steadman, was born in North Carolina, and their union was blessed in the birth of six children: Clara, Frannie, Arthur, Emma, Maggie, and an infant daughter unnamed.