Patrick Tracy Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Tracy Jackson
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| Born | August 14, 1780 |
| Died | September 12, 1847 (aged 67) |
| Known for | Boston Manufacturing Company |
| Spouse(s) | Lydia Cabot Jackson |
| Children | 9 children, including Anna Cabot Jackson Lowell |
| Parent(s) | Jonathan Jackson and Hannah Tracy Jackson |
| Signature | |
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Patrick Tracy Jackson (born August 14, 1780 – died September 12, 1847) was an important American businessman. He helped start big companies that made cloth and built railroads. He is famous for helping to create the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, which became a major center for making textiles.
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Patrick Jackson's Early Life and Learning
Patrick Jackson was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He was the youngest son of Jonathan Jackson and Hannah Tracy Jackson. His mother's father was a merchant named Patrick Tracy.
Patrick went to school more than many young people at that time. He attended public schools in Newburyport. He also went to a private school called Dummer Academy.
Even with his schooling, Patrick wanted to start working early. His family was involved in business. So, in 1795, when he was just 15, he became an apprentice. He worked for a rich merchant named William Bartlett. He also worked for his older brother Henry.
Patrick spent several years at sea from 1799 to 1808. He worked for Bartlett and his brother Henry. He impressed experienced merchants with his drive. He also showed great knowledge of navigation and sea trade. He completed four trading trips overseas. These trips helped him gain experience and money.
Building a Business Career
Patrick Jackson started his own business in Boston. He focused on trade with the East and West Indies. During the War of 1812, shipping became difficult. But Patrick still worked with his brother-in-law, Francis Cabot Lowell.
Together, they decided to build a textile factory. In 1813, they founded the Boston Manufacturing Company. This factory was in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was special because it did all the steps of making cotton cloth in one building. This was a new idea for the time.
In 1818, Patrick Jackson and others helped create the Suffolk Bank. This bank was important for business in Massachusetts. Patrick owned 300 shares in the bank.
By 1820, the Waltham factory needed more water power. So, Patrick and his partners decided to build a new company. It was called the Merrimack Manufacturing Company. They wanted to make printed cloth called calico. They chose a spot near the Pawtucket Falls on the Merrimack River.
In 1822, Patrick became the agent for the "Proprietors of Locks and Canals." This gave him power to decide where new mills could be built. He also decided how much they would cost in the new area. This area became the town of Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1826. It was named after Francis Cabot Lowell.
In 1830, Patrick saw problems with moving goods by canal and turnpike. He decided to build a railroad. He oversaw the construction of the Boston & Lowell Railroad. This was the first railroad in Massachusetts to get a special charter. It also set the standard for American rail gauge.
On May 27, 1835, the first train trip was made to Boston. Patrick Jackson was on board, along with George Washington Whistler and James Baldwin.
Patrick had hoped to retire after the railroad opened in 1835. However, some of his business choices made that difficult. For example, in the late 1830s, he sold most of his shares in the Lowell Mills. He invested the money in real estate, which did not turn out well. He died suddenly on September 12, 1847.
Patrick Jackson's Family Life
In 1810, Patrick married Lydia Cabot. Lydia's second cousin, Francis Cabot Lowell, became an important business partner for Patrick. Francis Cabot Lowell was also married to Patrick's sister, Hannah.
Patrick and Lydia had nine children together. One of their children was the writer Anna Cabot Jackson Lowell. Patrick was also the brother of Charles Jackson. He was the grandfather of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.'s father was a student of another brother, who was a doctor named James Jackson.
Images for kids
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Patrick Tracy Jackson
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Signature of Patrick Tracy Jackson
