Charles Jackson (March 4, 1797January 21, 1876) was the 18th governor of Rhode Island from 1845 to 1846.
Early life Jackson was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 4, 1797, and was the son of Richard Jackson, Jr.James T. White & Company, The National Cyclopedia of American Biography, Volume IX, 1899, page 397 He graduated from Brown University in 1817, and received a master's degree in 1820.Brown University, Historical Catalogue of Brown University, 1764-1914, 1914, page 97 He also studied law with James Burrill, Jr., and was admitted to the bar in 1820.Daniel Webster, author, Andrew J. King, editor, The Papers of Daniel Webster, 1989, page 896
Business career In addition to practicing law, Jackson was involved in several businesses, including a cotton manufacturing company. He also built a rubber factory after acquiring patent rights from Charles Goodyear. Jackson's ventures proved successful, and he later expanded into firearms as operator of the Burnside Rifle Works and a company that manufactured railroad equipment.
Political career Jackson was active in politics as a Whig, served several terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and was Speaker from 1841 to 1842. In 1843 he was a delegate to the state constitutional convention.Rhode Island Historical Society, Annual Meeting Proceedings, President's Address, 1910, page 15
Jackson served as governor from 1845 to 1846, after defeating incumbent James Fenner. He was elected as a Whig identified with the Liberation movement, which advocated freedom for those imprisoned as a result of the Dorr Rebellion. Jackson signed a bill freeing rebellion leader Thomas Wilson Dorr and all others who had been convicted. In response, Whig opponents of freeing Dorr organized a "Law & Order Party." Jackson was nominated for governor by the Democrats, and was defeated by Lieutenant Governor Byron Diman.
In 1857 Jackson was an unsuccessful candidate for the United States Senate.Rhode Island Department of State, State of Rhode Island Manual, 1914, page 155
Death and burial Jackson died in Providence on January 21, 1876. He was buried at North Burial Ground in Providence.Rhode Island Genealogical Society, North Burial Ground, Providence, Rhode Island: Old Section, 1700-1848, 2000, page 275
Family Jackson was married twice. His first wife was Catherine Dexter (1805–1832), whom he married in 1827. In 1836 he married Phebe Tisdale (died March 3, 1883) of Scituate, Rhode Island. He had seven children, five of whom lived to adulthood.
References
External links Charles Jackson at National Governors Association
Charles Jackson (1797-1876) at The Political Graveyard