Jacob B. Jackson

Jacob Beeson Jackson ( born April 6, 1829 in Parkersburg, Virginia, † December 11, 1893 ) was an American politician and from 1881 to 1885, the sixth Governor of the State of West Virginia.

Early years and political rise

Jacob Jackson grew up in his hometown of Parkersburg on in present-day West Virginia, where he attended the local schools. His father, a cousin of the Konföderationsgenerals Stonewall Jackson, taught him in the law. After qualifying as a lawyer Jackson opened in 1852 in St. Marys in Pleasants County, a law firm. Between 1858 and 1864 he was a prosecutor in Pleasants County. He held from 1870 to 1876 in Wood County, the same office. After spending a term in the House of Representatives from West Virginia, he was elected in 1879 as mayor of Parkersburg. A year later he won the gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Party.

Governor of West Virginia

Jackson's four-year term as governor began on March 4, 1881. A focus of his government was to improve the school system. The laws of the State has been revised. Under Governor Jackson, taxes were raised in order to finance public services can. Like his predecessor Jackson promoted industry. He tried to lure in the state both people and companies. In 1885 the capital was finally moved to Charleston; this was the result of a referendum in 1877.

Jackson's term ended on March 4, 1885. Afterwards, he moved back to Parkersburg, where he worked as a lawyer again. He also died in 1893. Jacob Jackson was married to Marie Antoinette Williard with whom he had two children.