Henry Jackson is a prominent citizen of Watsonville, a pioneer business man, and an earnest worker for the good of the commonwealth in which he lives.
Mr. Jackson was born of English parents, in East Prussia, in the year 1829. His younger days were spent at school in his native country. At the age of eighteen years he left college and entered as an apprentice a large mercantile house, engaged in importing and exporting all sorts of goods. Here he received a thorough training, which has since been of great value to him.
In the year 1851 Mr. Jackson concluded to visit the western continent. He sailed from Germany in a vessel belonging to the firm at that time and thereafter established in San Francisco, around Cape Horn to Valdivia and Valparaiso, Chile. They were eight months on the voyage, and experienced extremely rough weather almost through-out the entire journey. After a few months in Chile he went to San Francisco, and from there to the mines on the Yuba and American Rivers. He was taken very ill while at the mines and it was a long time before he recovered sufficiently to either work or travel. In August, 1852, he determined to leave the place where he had been so sick, and started on foot to Marysville, two hundred and fifty miles away. After arriving at Marysville he took the steamer for San Francisco, where he arrived sick and penniless. He found friends who assisted him and he went to work as soon as he was able. A lucky speculation netted him a few hundred dollars, and he was on his feet once more. The doctor, however, advised him to change climate, and Mr. Jackson accordingly came to Santa Cruz. For a while he was in the employ of F. A. Hihn, and soon after engaged in partnership with Mr. Hihn in the mercantile trade, and opened the first store in Watsonville, which did a flourishing business. Shortly afterward Mr. Jackson bought out his partner's interest and conducted the business alone.
In 1855 Mr. Jackson was married to Marie Adelaide Rodriguez, a daughter of one of the earliest Spanish families in California. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, and all but one are still living.
Mr. Jackson remained in the general merchandise business constantly until the year 1862, when he sold out and made a trip to Europe and England. He was gone seven months. On returning he engaged in the commission and grain business, which he has since followed, not only with financial success but with the most excellent reputation for fairness, squareness, ability, and sterling integrity.
As before mentioned, Mr. Jackson is a worker for the good of the community. His fellow-townsmen have on several occasions recognized his worth in the capacity. When the town was first incorporated he was chosen a member by the board of trustees, and has since been re-elected several times. Full of vim and progress, and yet too conservative to fall in with hasty schemes for spending the people's money, Mr. Jackson makes a most admirable officer.
History of Santa Cruz County, California
by E.S. Harrison
Published by Pacific Press Publishing Company
San Francisco, Cal., 1892
Transcribed by Yvonne Valentine 1/9/09, Page 230
Santa Cruz County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2009; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.