Charles Jackson (Rhode Island politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Jackson
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| 18th Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office May 6, 1845 – May 6, 1846 |
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| Lieutenant Governor | Byron Diman |
| Preceded by | James Fenner |
| Succeeded by | Byron Diman |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 4, 1797 Providence, Rhode Island |
| Died | January 21, 1876 (aged 78) Providence, Rhode Island |
| Resting place | North Burial Ground |
| Political party | Whig, Liberation Party |
| Spouses | Catharine Dexter, Phebe Tisdale |
| Alma mater | Brown University |
| Profession | Lawyer, Businessman |
Charles Jackson (born March 4, 1797 – died January 21, 1876) was an important American politician. He served as the 18th Governor of Rhode Island from 1845 to 1846. Jackson was also a successful lawyer and businessman. He played a key role in a major political event in Rhode Island history.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Jackson was born in Providence, Rhode Island. This happened on March 4, 1797. His father was Richard Jackson, Jr.. Charles went to Brown University. He graduated in 1817. He then earned a master's degree in 1820. After college, he studied law. He learned from a lawyer named James Burrill, Jr.. Charles Jackson became a lawyer himself in 1820.
Charles Jackson's Business Ventures
Besides being a lawyer, Charles Jackson was also a very active businessman. He owned a company that made cotton products. This was a big industry back then. He also started a rubber factory. He bought the rights to use a special invention from Charles Goodyear.
Jackson's businesses did very well. He later expanded into making weapons. He ran the Burnside Rifle Works. This company made firearms. He also owned a company that built equipment for railroads.
Political Career and Governorship
Charles Jackson was deeply involved in politics. He was a member of the Whig Party. He served many terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. This is like the state's main law-making group. He was even the Speaker of the House from 1841 to 1842. In 1843, he helped write the state's new constitution.
Serving as Governor of Rhode Island
Jackson became governor from 1845 to 1846. He won against the current governor, James Fenner. He was elected as a Whig. But he was also part of the "Liberation movement." This group wanted to free people who were put in jail. These people were involved in the Dorr Rebellion.
The Dorr Rebellion was a time when people disagreed strongly. They wanted more voting rights for citizens. Governor Jackson signed a bill to free Thomas Wilson Dorr. Dorr was the leader of the rebellion. He also freed everyone else who was jailed because of it.
After His Term as Governor
Because Jackson freed these people, some Whigs were upset. They formed a new group called the "Law & Order Party." Jackson ran for governor again. This time, the Democrats supported him. But he lost the election. He was defeated by Lieutenant Governor Byron Diman. In 1857, Jackson tried to become a U.S. Senator. However, he was not successful.
Death and Burial
Charles Jackson passed away in Providence. This happened on January 21, 1876. He was buried at the North Burial Ground. This cemetery is also in Providence.
Family Life
Charles Jackson was married two times. His first wife was Catherine Dexter. They married in 1827. She passed away in 1832. In 1836, he married Phebe Tisdale. She was from Scituate, Rhode Island. She died in 1883. Charles Jackson had seven children in total. Five of his children lived to be adults.
