Governor Charles Jackson

CHARLES JACKSON was born in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating from Brown University, he studied law and was admitted to the Bar in 1820. However, he left the practice of law to begin a cotton manufacturing company, which helped make the towns of Jackson and Fiskeville industrial centers. He later expanded into rubber manufacturing with a patent from Charles Goodyear, and he purchased a rifle manufacturing company and established a locomotive works. He was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, serving as Speaker from 1841 to 1842. A member of the Whig Liberation Party, Jackson defeated incumbent Law and Order party Governor James Fenner. During his gubernatorial administration, legislation was enacted to free all prisoners convicted of treason against the state. His decision to sign the bill resulted in his defeat for a second term, and he returned to his business enterprises.