Edgar Jackson, attorney and counsellor at law, North Blenheim, Schoharie County, N. Y., was born in the town of Gilboa, this county, August 28, 1853, a son of John I. Jackson. His grandfather, David Jackson, was an early settler of Gilboa, where he bought a large tract of land, and for many years was one of its most successful farmers and the Justice of the Peace. To him and his wife, Peggy, three children were born.
John I. Jackson, who was brought up on a farm, and received his education in the common schools, followed agricultural pursuits in his early manhood, and after marriage purchased a farm not far from the site of the present post-office in Mackey. Taking up the study of law, he pursued it diligently, and, after his admission to the bar, in 1855, practised his profession in Gilboa for nearly forty years, and achieved considerable fame as a lawyer of sound judgment and superior knowledge. He was a Republican in politics, prominent in town matters, and served as Supervisor. He married Mary A. Moore, a native of Gilboa. She was a daughter of Samuel Moore, who came of pioneer stock. She died at the age of sixty-four years, March 31, 1879, leaving six children, namely: Rhoda, deceased; William M., a farmer in Iowa; Lucinda, deceased; Oscar D., a farmer; Edgar, the special subject of this biography; and Luther. Both parents were members of the Baptist church; and the father was for many years a member of Gilboa Lodge, F. & A. M. He died on October 23, 1893, at the age of fourscore years.
Edgar Jackson acquired the rudiments of his education in the public schools of Gilboa, and afterward continued his studies at the Delaware Literary Institute. He subsequently engaged in mechanical pursuits for a while, and then turned his attention to the study of law, which he pursued to such good purpose that in 1886 he was admitted to practice in the different courts by Judson S. Lawdon and Augustus Bakes, Judges of the Supreme Court at Albany. The following two years he practised with his father in Gilboa, whence, in 1888, he came to North Blenheim, where he has built up a large and lucrative general practice, being employed in the Justice, Surrogate, County, and Supreme Courts. In 1894 he built his present commodious office, which is centrally located. While living in Gilboa he served as Justice of the Peace some years and as Town Trustee. Since coming here he has been Commissioner of Highways. Politically, Mr. Jackson is a straightforward Republican; and, fraternally, he is a member of Gilboa Lodge, F. & A. M.
Mr. Jackson married in 1873. His wife's mother, whose maiden name was Sally E. James, is still living, and has two children Mrs. Jackson; and Orville A., of Chenango County. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, H. Warren. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Baptist church, while Mrs. Jackson belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
[Editorial note: This entry was not returned to the author with corrections.]