jackson

HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Biographical Appendix

 

MORDECAI A. JACKSON

Mordecai A. Jackson, son of the old citizens of Fredericktown, Mo., is a native of Gallatin County, Ky., and was born in 1819, his parents being Mordecai and Nancy (Cook) Jackson.  The father was born I Virginia, and was of Irish descent.  In his youth he went to Scott County, Ky., with his parents and was married here, but soon moved to Gallatin County, Ky., being one if the first settlers of the same.  He here passed the principal part of his days.  He was a farmer by occupation.  In 1837 he made a business trip to his brother-in-laws, Nathaniel Cook, who lived at Libertyville, St. Francois Co, Mo., and while there died and was buried at that place.  His wife was born in Scott County, Ky., and died in February 1824. Her brother, Nathaniel Cook, came to Madison County about 1818 and entered the land where Fredericktown is now located.  He gave the site for the county seat.  John D. Cook, another brother of Mrs. Jackson’s was judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Missouri, for a number of years. Mrs. Jackson was the mother of ten children, three of whom are living.  Mordecai A., Jr., was reared on the

farm, and was educated in the common schools.  In 1838 he came to Missouri, and located in New Madrid County, where in 1845 he married Delilah Myers, daughter of Nathan Myers, and native of New Madrid County, Mo., born in 1828.  Two children, Missouri O. and Daniel C. were born to this union.  Mrs. Jackson died in 1852, and in 1859 Mr. Jackson married Miss Mary Ann Emory, a native of New Madrid County, born in 1832.  The result of this marriage was the birth of three children: Ida J., Edward E., and John M.  Mr. Jackson located two miles west of New Madrid, and in 1859 purchased 160 acres ten miles southwest of New Madrid.  He lived on this farm until 1870, when he moved to Fredericktown and purchased fifty-three acres adjoining the town.  He now owns about 400 acres in New Madrid County, besides his home place near Fredericktown, and is a man much respected in the county.  He has been a life-long Democrat in his politics, casting his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1840.  In 1876 he was elected public administrator of Madison County, and in 1880 was re-elected, serving in all about eight years.  He is a Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

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