Person:Enoch Jackson (5)

The following is copied from chapter 20 (Miller Township), page 208 of History of Dearborn County^S1:
Influential Men of Early Days ^S1
Enoch Jackson. another son of John Jackson. was born in the township in the year 1804. and on growing to manhood became a public-spirited man with much interest in the political affairs of the county and nation. He served his connty as a member of the Legislature. It is claimed by some that Ed ward Eggleston‘s politician in “Roxy“ was Enoch Jackson, and that the swne of the book was laid on Salt Fork. This may or may not be true. but Mr. Jackson was a very prominent man in a political way and was a good citizen. His brother. Ezekiel Jackson. was a much older man. and was also an active man in political affairs and he. too. served his county in the Legislature four times during the years from 1820 to 1830. The family have kept up their reputation as patriotic men interested in the welfare of their country and take an active part in political affairs; a son of Enoch served as county treasurer from 1857 to 1861. and another son, Edward, serving his county in the Legislature during the first part of the decade between 1880 and 1890, while another son, Francis M., was township trustee for several terms and county treasurer two terms.

Brief Biographical Sketch by Rev. Judge A J Cotton
Enoch Jackson^S4, a strong and popular man in the county, an exrepresentative, lost the sight of both his eyes in a very sudden and painful manner, and then was thrown from a runaway horse and buggy, broke his thigh, and is a man of sore affliction, sharing largely in the commiseration of his friends; was once my competitor for office, and the worst thing I ever said about him was said in great pleasantry: "General Jackson, at New Orleans, kept behind the cotton, and I hope my friends will keep Enoch a little behind, too!" and a roar of laughter followed, I assure you. I, however, declined a poll, for which my friends chide me to this day. All for the best, friends.

Note that what ever caused his blindness occurred in about 1856. Merrie Rue Smith^S10 indicates it was the result of an accident. She also states that he won the election against Judge Cotton mentioned above. Since his obituary below mentions he was elected a Justice of the Peace, this may have been the election in question. Miller township was organized in 1834^S5

Another Pioneer Gone
Enoch W. Jackson^S11, Esq., departed this life at his late residence in Miller township, on Sunday morning, Feb. 15th 1874, in the 70th year of his age. The deceased was born near where the town of Hardentown now stands, and resided nearby his whole life in this county. Mr. Jackson was elected a Justice of the Peace when Miller township was first organized, and afterwards was chosen a member of the Indiana Legislature, the duties of which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. The deceased was a man of strong temperament, and may have had his faults, but on the other hand he had many virtues. He was what may be termed a free thinker, claiming the right of an opinion on all subjects, and willingly allowing others the same liberty peacefully. The deceased was stricken with total blindness some 18 years since, and from that time the light of the world has been entirely shut out from view, still he maintained his usual cheerfulness up to the end of his life. The deceased has left behind ten children, seven sons and three daughters, all of whom attended the funeral, excepting one daughter, Mrs. Jacob Haas, of Greensburg.

The deceased will be greatly missed by his family as well as the community in general.

The remains were followed to the grave yard at Georgetown by a large, sympathizing audience. Funeral services by Rev. B. Plummer, assisted by R. E. (originally printed possibly as "H" and manually altered to what may be an "E") Hargitt of the M. E. Church of which church the deceased was a worthy member.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Influential Men of Early Days, in History of Dearborn County, Indiana: her people, industries, and institutions. (Evansville, Ind.: Unigraphic, 1980)
   Page 208f.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} Georgetown Cemetery, in Fox, Dianne, and Lois Lee Harper. Cemeteries of the northeast section of Dearborn County, Indiana. (Apollo, Pennsylvania: Closson Press, c1993)
   Page 224.
3. ↑ Compiler: Merrie Rue Smith. Genealogy of the John Jackson Family.
4. ↑ Cotton, Alfred Johnson. Cotton's keepsake: poems on various subjects, to which is appended a short autobiographical sketch of the life of the author, and a condensed history of the early settlements, incidents, and improvements of the country from the early settlers themselves; and from observation and experience in it, for the space of forty years last past. (Evansville, Indiana: Unigraphic, 1977)
   Page 444, 1860.
5. ↑ History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana: from their earliest settlement : containing a history of the counties, their cities, townships, towns, villages, schools, and churches, reminiscences, extracts, etc., local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, biographies, preliminary chapters on the history of the North-west Territory, the state of Indiana, and the Indians. (Chicago: F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885)
   p 456 & 461, 1885.

   Page 456 - mentions the formation of Miller Township in 1834
   Page 461 - provides biographical information about Enoch Jackson (see below)

   John Jackson was the father of Enoch W. Jackson, an active, influential and intelligent citizen, who was also a member of the State Legislature.

6. ↑ Enoch Winchester JACKSON, in Ancestral File
   AFN:1J6H-R26.
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2} Enoch W Jackson household, in Dearborn, Indiana, United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration Publication M432)
   23 Sep 1850.

   Name:Enoch W Jackson
   Age:45
   Birth Year:abt 1805
   Birthplace:Indiana
   Home in 1850:Miller, Dearborn, Indiana
   Gender:Male
   Family Number:1288
   Household Members:
   NameAge
   Enoch W Jackson45
   Elizabeth Jackson40
   Merret Jackson20
   Francis A Jackson18
   John Jackson16
   William Jackson15
   Owen Jackson13
   Edward Jackson11
   Mary A Jackson9
   Isabella Jackson5
   Catharine Jackson3
   Enoch W Jackson1

8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2} Enoch W Jackson, in Lawrenceburg Public Library District Obituary Finder
   1874.

   While this extract indicates he was 70, his obituary says he was in his 70th year, which could mean he had passed his 69th birthday. Therefore, he may have been born as late as Dec 1804, rather than in 1803 (if he was actually 70.)

   Last Name:Jackson
   First Name:Enoch
   Middle Name/Initial:W
   Maiden Name:
   Date of Death:02/15/1874
   Birth Date:
   Spouse:
   Survived By:
   Other:70 years old. Miller township, In. Funeral, M.E. Church. Rev. B. Plummer and R.M. Hargitt officiated. Left 10 children
   Cemetery:Georgetown
   Obituary Source:Register Feb. 19, 1874
   Source Information:
   Obituary File:
   Other File:

9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} Georgetown Cemetery, in Fox, Dianne, and Lois Lee Harper. Cemeteries of the northeast section of Dearborn County, Indiana. (Apollo, Pennsylvania: Closson Press, c1993)
   Page 224 .

   Enoch Jackson

10. ↑ ^10.0 10.1 Compiler: Merrie Rue Smith. AWhite.FTW
    Date of Import: 24 Nov 2000.

    4. Enoch Winchester JACKSON, Esquire b. December 07, 1804 in Hardentown, Miller, Dearborn Co, IN. Son of John Harrison JACKSON, Jr. and Nancy POWELL. Enoch married Elizabeth WHITE on March 14, 1829 in Dearborn Co., IN. Daughter of Alexander WHITE and Nancy ???. Enoch d. February 15, 1874 in Dearborn Co., IN and was buried at the Jackson-Langdale Graveyard on Georgetown Ridge, Dearborn Co., IN. Elizabeth d. December 25, 1874 and was buried in Dearborn Co., IN. Enoch and Elizabeth had the following children:
    
    1. Merit Craig JACKSON b. February 26, 1830 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. December 2, 1903 in Bright, Dearborn Co., IN
    2. Francis "Frank" Marion JACKSON b. August 10, 1831 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. November 8, 1899 in Dearborn Co., IN
    3. John "Jack" Harrison JACKSON b. October 9, 1833 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. August 20, 1909
    4. William Alexander JACKSON b. February 26, 1835 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. December 13, 1910 in N. Manchester, Wabash Co., IN
    5. Omer Tousey JACKSON b. November 26, 1836 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. January 17, 1901in Dearborn Co., IN
    6. Edward White JACKSON b. December 16, 1838 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. February 10, 1891 in Dearborn Co., IN
    7. Mary Ann JACKSON b. May 27, 1841 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. August 15, 1919
    8. Nancy Ann JACKSON b. January 19, 1843 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. February 3, 1843 in Dearborn Co., IN
    9. Isabell JACKSON b. April 19, 1845 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. September 17, 1901 in Dearborn Co., IN
    10. Catherine Elizabeth JACKSON b. April 5, 1847 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. October 4, 1931 in Dearborn Co., IN
    11. Enoch Winchester JACKSON, Jr. b. January 26, 1849 on Salt Fork Creek in Dearborn Co., IN d. November 22, 1920 in Dearborn Co., IN
    **********
    Enoch W. Jackson, Esquire (1804-1874). Enoch was born where Hardentown now is and lived about his whole life in Dearborn, Miller Township. At this early date, the early 1800's, there were three log houses on Salt Fork within sight of each other, all homes of the Jackson families. In 1817, he entered land in Section 22 off his father's (John Harry Jackson, Jr.) land. In 1830, Enoch Jackson, Esq. and Ezekiel P. Jackson entered Section 21 of Miller Township and on December 22, 1838, he deeded to Reuben C. Jackson, his brother, 29 acres for $250.00.
    
    He was elected a Justice of the Peace when Miller Township was first organized in March 1834. The Dearborn County and Ohio History, pp. 461, states that "Enoch Jackson was an active, influential and intelligent citizen who was also a member of the State Legislature and a representative in 1837."
    **********
    Enoch was made the hero of the Local Election in the book "Roxy" by Edward Eggleston, Electioneering pp. 37 and 41. "...that the benches had been carried off first by one party, then by another, and there had been locks and padlocks innumerable broken from the door. So that the visionary experiment of a Republican meeting-house in a country where popular education was in its infancy and sectarian strife at its worst, had only resulted in teaching these militant Christians the arts of burglary and sacrilege. The Whigs and Democrats, however, managed to use the much-damaged church for political meetings without coming to blows over it. On this occasion Bonamy was to have a discussion with his opponent, the Democratic candidate for representative, one Henry Hardin. But, as Hardin had no gift for speech-making, while Mark had, there could be no doubt of the issue.
    
    "The Democrats for the most part came out in surly anticipation of defeat, but old Enoch Jackson, the wire-puller for the party in that part of the country, shook his head significantly and gave the "boys" to understand that "he knew somethin' or 'nother that would make the Whigs squirm." And it was passed round from one to another that "old Nuck had somethin' in his head." So the Democrats marched into the meeting with an unterrified air.
    
    Mark Bonamy felt very sure of success. He was to make the last speech and Major Lathers assured his Whig friends that when Hardin was through with his speech, young Bonamy would chaw him all up and the like, now, you know. Hardin had, however, been carefully "coached" for the occasion and he made a fair argument of the heavier sort, against the National Bank, against internal improvements by the general government, and especially in favor of free trade, spicing his remarks, which were delivered in a loud, monotonous tone, with...
    
    The voice was Jim McGowan's, and Major Lathers, knowing at once that mischief was intended, closed the door just as the other voice cried: "You dassent tech me with your little finger, you cussed coward you."
    
    "Fellow-citizens," resumed Mark, "I have been called a turn-coat, now I____"
    
    "Le'go of me," Jim McGowan was heard to say. "I kin kill Sam Peters the best day he ever saw. Le' go of me, I say."
    
    "Le' go of him," cried Peters. "I'll spile his pro-file fer him."
    
    Within there was confusion. Only Enoch Jackson appeared entirely quiet and really anxious to hear what Bonamy had to say. The rest would rather hav a seen a fight than to have heard the best speaker in the world.
    
    "I have been called a turn-coat," resumed Mark, "and I want to ______"
    
    But here the cries out-of-doors indicated that the two had broken loose from their friends and were about to have a "stand up fight." This was too much for the audience. It was of no use for Mark to say "Fellow-citizens." The fellow-citizens were already forming a ring around Sam Peters and Jim McGowan, who on their parts, had torn off their shirts and stood stripped for the fight, which for some reason they delayed, in spite of their vehement protestations of eagerness for it. Bonamy was left with no auditors but Major Lathers, Enoch Jackson, who looked at him innocently, and his opponent, who sat decorously waiting for him to proceed.
    
    When Mark desisted from speaking, Enoch Jackson's triumph was complete, but he set out to walk home with the gravity of a statesman. Mark, however, did not give up the battle easily. He called a Whig justice into the church, swore out a writ against Peters and McGowan, and helped arrest them with his own hands. This prompt action saved him from the ignominy of entire defeat, but it was too late to save the day. By the time the participants in this sham battle had paid their fines, the day had so far waned that it was impossible to rally the audience to listen to any further speaking.
    
    Lathers did not say anything to Mark as they rode away. Bonamy was in continual expectation of a reprimand for his folly in running after "purty girls and the like." But Lathers knew that Mark needed no further rebuke.
    
    From that time until the day of election, Bonamy gave his whole heart to the canvass, and his taking speeches and insinuating manners enabled him in some degree to retrieve the error he had committed. It was only on the very last day of that exciting campaign that he ventured to turn aside on his way home and ask for a drink of water at old Gid Kirtley's fence, loitering half an hour without dismounting, while Nancy Kirtley, on the other side of the fence, made Mark forget her foolish talk by shifting from one attitude to another so as to display face and figure to the best advantage. Only the necessity for reaching Luzerne that evening in time for "the grand rally" with which the canvass closed, could have persuaded the dazzled young man to cut short the interview. This he found hard of accomplishment, the bewitching siren using all her endeavor to detain him. It was only by sacrificing a watch-seal of no great value, upon which he saw her covetous eyes fastened, that he succeeded in disentangling himself. He swore at himself half the way to Luzerne for his "devilish imprudence" in giving her the trinket. But a hopeful temperament brought him peace after a while, and he made a most effective appeal to the Whigs at Luzerne to "rally" round the hero of Tippecanoe.
    **********
    Edward Eggleston spent much time in the Jackson home on Salt Fork. This home was for many years the headquarters of the Methodist Circuit Riders, as they traveled through this territory. The Salt Fork School house was about one mile up the creek from this Jackson home and on Sundays, they had church services here, like they did in most of the early school houses.
    **********
    The book "Cottons Keepsakes", pp. 443 - 444, said "Enoch Jackson, a strong and popular man in the county, an ex-representative, lost the sight of both his eyes in a very sudden and painful manner, and then was thrown from a runaway horse and buggy, broke his thigh, and is a man of sore affliction, sharing largely in the commiseration of his friends; was once my competitor for office, and the worst thing I ever said about him was said in great pleasantry: 'General Jackson, at New Orleans, kept behind the cotton, and I hope my friends will keep Enoch a little behind, too!' and a roar of laughter followed, I assure you. I, however, declined a poll, for which my friends chide me to this day. All for the best, friends."
    **********
    Enoch won the office he was in competition with A. J. Cotton. Enoch's accident occurred in 1886.
    **********
    At his death, Enoch Jackson was buried in the Jackson-Langdale graveyard on Georgetown Ridge. Funeral services by Rev. P. Plummer assisted by R. M. Hargitt of the Bright Methodist Church, of which he was a member.
    **********
    Enoch Winchester JACKSON, ESQUIRE ANCESTRAL RECORD:
    
    Paternal:
    (1) John Harrison JACKSON, Jr. and Nancy POWELL;
    (2) John Harrison JACKSON, Sr. and Chesephia ???;
    
    Maternal:
    (1) Nancy POWELL and John Harrison JACKSON, Jr.;
    **********
    Ref: GENEALOGY OF THE JOHN JACKSON FAMILY, compiled and printed by Alta Mae Jackson Hart, 1975; Dearborn County and Ohio History, pp. 461; ROXY, by Edward Eggleston, published 1878, The Gregg Press/Ridgewood, N.J.. loaned out by the Anderson, Indiana Public Library; Cotton’s Keepsake Poems on Various Subjects, by Rev. Judge A. J. Cotton, Philom., published for the author by Applegate & Co., Cincinnati, 1858; Family Tree Maker’s Family Archives CD #2, Marriage Index: IL, IN, KY, OH, TN 1720-1926 - Sec. III, CH. 10, Dearborn Co., IN (1806-1833). Copyright (C) 1955, 1994 (Hunting for Bears) Broderbund Software, Inc.; AFN: 1J6H-R26 Number applied by The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church in Salt Lake City) Test Site located at Internet Resource: http://www.familysearch.org/; Ancestral file lists 11 children.

11. ↑ ^11.0 11.1 Another Pioneer Gone, in Dearborn County Register. (Dearborn, Indiana)
    19 Feb 1874.

    See Personal History section for the full text of this obituary.