Samuel Jackson (lawyer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Jackson
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Portrait of Samuel Jackson
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| Born | 16 April 1831 Providence Green, Green Hammerton, Yorkshire, England
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| Died | 29 July 1913 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | attorney and solicitor |
| Known for | 'father' of the legal profession in Auckland |
| Relatives | Hughlings Jackson (brother) William Jackson (brother) |
Samuel Jackson (born 16 April 1831 – died 29 July 1913) was a very important lawyer, called a solicitor, in Auckland, New Zealand. He worked as a lawyer almost until he died. At that time, he was the oldest practicing solicitor in New Zealand. Many people thought of him as the "father" of the legal profession in Auckland.
He joined forces with another lawyer, Frederick Merriman. Their law firm was called Merriman & Jackson. After Merriman passed away in 1865, Samuel Jackson found a new partner. The firm was then renamed Jackson Russell, which is still its name today! When he was younger, Samuel Jackson was also involved in local government.
Early Life and Family
Samuel Jackson was born in 1831 in a place called Providence Green, near Harrogate in Yorkshire, England. His father, also named Samuel Jackson, was a farmer and brewer. His mother, Sarah Jackson, passed away when he was only five years old.
Samuel had three brothers and one sister. Most of his siblings later moved to New Zealand, just like he did. His youngest brother, John, stayed in England and became a very famous doctor who studied the brain.
Samuel Jackson studied law at the University of York. He then became a lawyer in 1853. In 1855, he sailed to New Zealand on a ship called the Merchantman. He arrived in Auckland on 4 September 1855. On the ship, he met the Mandeno family. He married Sarah Anne Mandeno, the eldest daughter, on 26 August 1856.
Involvement in Politics
Samuel Jackson also played a part in local government. On 8 April 1864, he was appointed to the Executive Council of the Auckland Provincial Council. This council was like a local government for the Auckland region. Even though he was never an elected member, he helped make important decisions.
From July to October 1865, Samuel Jackson also served as the Deputy-Superintendent of Auckland Province. This role was like being the deputy leader of the provincial government.
A Long Legal Career
Just two weeks after arriving in New Zealand, Samuel Jackson was allowed to work as a lawyer in the Supreme Court. He quickly started working with Frederick Merriman. In July 1856, their firm, 'Merriman & Jackson', advertised for the first time in a big Auckland newspaper.
When Merriman died in 1865, James Russell joined the firm, and it became Jackson Russell. Samuel Jackson had a very long and respected career in law. He worked for over 55 years, almost until he died. This made him the oldest practicing solicitor in New Zealand at that time. He was truly seen as the "father" of the legal profession in Auckland. His law firm, Jackson Russell, is still active today.
Samuel Jackson also helped many wealthy people decide how to leave their money for good causes.
- When John Edward Elam wanted to donate his money, Jackson suggested creating a school for fine art. This led to the creation of the Elam School of Fine Arts.
- Another person, Edward Costley, had no family. He wanted to leave his money to Samuel Jackson and his children. But Jackson told him, "I'm comfortable. Leave it to Auckland." Because of this, seven charities in Auckland received money from Costley's estate.
- He also advised James Dilworth, who left most of his money to a trust. This money was used to establish Dilworth School, a well-known school in Auckland.
Family Life
After he got married in 1856, Samuel Jackson lived on Orakei Road in Remuera. Before there were trams, he would walk about 4 miles (6.4 km) each way to his office in downtown Auckland every day!
Samuel and Sarah had several children. Their first son, also named Samuel, went to England to study law. He later became a lawyer in Auckland but moved to California, USA, in 1890. Another son, born in 1870, was named John Hughlings.
Samuel Jackson passed away on 29 July 1913 at his home. He was survived by his wife and many children. At the time of his death, he had 23 grandchildren.
