Robert R. Jackson facts for kids
Robert R. Jackson was an important person in Illinois history. He was born on September 1, 1870, in Malta, Illinois, and passed away on June 12, 1942. Robert Jackson was a state legislator, which means he helped make laws for Illinois. He also founded a baseball team, was a baseball league commissioner, and served as an alderman in Chicago. An alderman is like a city council member who helps run the city.
Jackson went to public school in Chicago until the eighth grade. He then left school to help take care of his family. Before he became a legislator, he had many jobs. He sold newspapers, worked for the postal service, operated elevators, and even owned a baseball team. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Robert Jackson's Career Highlights
Robert Jackson had a long and interesting career, serving his community in many ways. He worked for the Chicago Postal System for 21 years. For 12 of those years, he was an assistant superintendent at the Armour station. This was the highest position a Black person held in the Chicago postal system at that time.
Jackson also served in the military. He was a veteran of the Spanish–American War. His National Guard regiment, the Illinois Eighth, was sent to Cuba during the war.
Baseball and Business Ventures
In 1910, Robert Jackson helped start Chicago's first African-American baseball team, the Leland Giants. He co-founded the team with Beauregard F. Mosely. Jackson also served for two years as the Commissioner of the Negro American League. This league was very important for Black baseball players during a time when they were not allowed to play in the major leagues.
After working for the postal system, Jackson returned to the printing business. He owned a company called Fraternal Press. Many believed it was the largest printing business owned by a Black person at that time.
Serving in Government
In 1912, Robert Jackson was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made. He joined the legislature shortly before they finished their session for the year. The Speaker of the House, William Michael McKinley, chose Jackson to be part of several important committees. These included committees on federal relations and military affairs.
Jackson was re-elected in 1914 and again in 1916. During his time as a state legislator, he helped create Illinois' first law about film censorship. This law decided what movies could be shown to the public. After his time in the state legislature ended due to term limits, he continued to serve the public. From 1918 to 1939, he was an alderman in the Chicago City Council. He represented the Second and Third Wards of Chicago.
