William M. JACKSON, attorney at law of Bedford, where he has now practiced for about seventeen years, is a prominent and successful representative of the legal profession in Taylor county. His birth occurred at Caldwell, Ohio, on the 27th of November, 1866, his parents being Philip and Rachel (WILEY) JACKSON, who are also natives of the Buckeye state [Ohio]. The first representative of the family in this country came from Wales with Lord Baltimore and settled in Maryland, whence they afterward removed to Greene county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently went to Ohio. Elijah JACKSON, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Ohio and died in early manhood. His wife likewise passed away at a comparatively early age. Their family numbered three sons.

Jacob WILEY, the maternal grandfather of William M. JACKSON, was also a native of Ohio. He died when well advanced in years, his demise occurring in Noble county, Ohio, where he had lived for some time. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha GORBY also lived to attain a ripe old age. They reared quite a large family, the two surviving members being Eli, now a resident of Lamoni, Iowa; and Mrs. Rachel JACKSON.

Philip JACKSON, the father of William M. JACKSON, followed the carpenter's trade in early manhood. About the year 1888 he made his way from Ohio to Iowa, settling in Ringgold county, this state, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He has now put aside the active work of the fields and is living retired in Bedford with his wife, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. At the time of the Civil war he served for about eighteen months as a member of Company I, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was wounded at the battle of South Mountain. For many years he was a local preacher in the Methodist church, of which both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members. They became the parents of three children, as follows: William M., of this review; D. Fay, who is now deceased; and Roxa A., the wife of Emil CLESS, of Lenox, Iowa.

William M. JACKSON, whose name initiates this review, remained on his father's farm in Ohio until seventeen years of age and obtained his preliminary education in the district schools. Subsequently he entered the Western Normal College at Shenandoah, Iowa, and after completing the course in that institution he took up the study of law in the State University at Iowa City, being graduated from the law department in 1891.

He was admitted to the bar the same year and located for practice at Clearfield, Iowa, where he remained for a little more than a year. He then came to Bedford and has here since practiced his profession, enjoying a constantly growing and remunerative clientage.

Mr. Jackson has been married twice. In 1891 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Addie VanWINKLE, a daughter of Isaiah and Melinda (BLACKMAN) VanWINKLE, by whom he had one son, Floyd O. The wife and mother passed away in May, 1893, when but twenty-two years of age. She was a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church. In June, 1897, Mr. JACKSON was again married, his second union being with Miss Nettie NELSON, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah NELSON.

In his political views Mr. JACKSON is a stanch republican. In 1892 he was elected to the office of county attorney and capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection for two terms. Fraternally he is identified with Taylor Lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., Triangle Chapter, No. 68, R. A. M., the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Creston and Bedford Lodge, No. 1010, Knights of Pythias. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, with which his wife is also affiliated. His ability as a lawyer is widely recognized and the strong traits of his character have made him prominent and popular, not only in professional but also in social circles.

SOURCE:  CROSSON, Frank E. History of Taylor County, Iowa: From The Earliest Historic Times to 1910  Pp. 492 - 494. S.J. Clarke Pub. Chicago. 1910.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008