BIOGRAPHY: Henry C. JACKSON, Mifflin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by P. S. Barr Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/mifflin/ _______________________________________________ The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, pages 506. HENRY C. JACKSON, Lewistown, Pa., was born at Lewistown, October 18, 1860, and is a son of Robert A. and Lavinia (Stahl) Jackson, of Scotch and German ancestry respectively. Robert A. Jackson came early in life to Mifflin, where he was reared, educated in the common schools, and learned cabinet-making. After acquiring this handicraft, he was for many years a journeyman in the establishments of Anthony Felix and of Robert McClintock. Mr. Jackson was a skilled and intelligent workman, and a worthy citizen. He was married at Mifflintown to Lavinia, daughter of Henry and Susan Stahl. Their children are: Annie M., married Wilbur Cubbison, who died, leaving two children, George and Carrie, after which she married Joseph Dunmire, and resides in Mifflin county; Ellen, widow of Adam Rankin, has one child, resides in Lewistown; James A., of Lewistown, married first Miss Reed, and after her death Elizabeth Miller; Charles, of Lewistown, married Nettie Aurandt, has one child; Henry C.; Susan M. (Mrs. W. H. Houtz), of Lewistown, has one child. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Jackson were of excellent Christian character, members of the Presbyterian congregation at Lewistown; Mrs. Jackson was an estimable lady, a good neighbor and friend. She died in 1890, and her husband in 1888. After attending the common schools, Henry C. Jackson was employed in the store of Willis & McCoy, and afterwards with Willis & Schoch, of Lewistown. These engagements occupied about seven years, during which time he gained considerable experience in mercantile business. In 1879 he entered the employ of the Glamorgan Iron Company as clerk. It was not long before he rose to the position of foundry man, and served under the superintendence successively of the late Col. William Willis, H. R. Knotwell, Thomas W. McEwen, William Kelley, and Austin Farrell. During the term of Mr. McEwen, Mr. Jackson began business for himself by entering into a contract with the company for handling and shipping its product. The undertaking was a laborious one, but by strict attention to business was made successful. From 1886 to 1888, Mr. Jackson resided in Granville; in the latter year he again entered the establishment of Willis & Schoch; in 1889 the firm was dissolved, Mr. Willis carrying on the business until 1890, when he sold out. Mr. Jackson remained in his employ up to that time, and then engaged in milling at Lewistown, in partnership with I. H. Rodgers, the firm being styled Rodgers & Jackson. By mutual consent, the connection was dissolved in 1891, and Mr. Jackson embarked in mercantile business on West Market street; this enterprise has so prospered under his capable and prudent management that is 1896 he was compelled to enlarge his store to meet the demands of his growing trade. Mr. Jackson has thus made his own way by persevering application and by wise business methods to a position of comfort and influence, in which he is able to be of service not only to his family and friends, but to the community; to aid local enterprises, and to encourage and promote the work of the church. He is an advocate of fraternal organizations, and a member of Lodge No. 203, F. and A. M., and of Lodge No. 270, K. of M. He was married September 20, 1881, to Annie D. Kerstetter, of Mifflin county. Their children are: Annie; and Esther Consuelo. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Jackson was the daughter of William Kerstetter, who was born and reared in Snyder county, Pa., and died in 1888. Leah, his wife, was also born and reared in Snyder county, pa. She now resides at Wagner, Mifflin county, at the age of about sixty-one years. It is generally conceded that H. C. Jackson has the largest and best equipped department general store in Mifflin county, managed on business principles.