Joseph Cooke Jackson

Joseph Cooke Jackson (August 5, 1835 – May 22, 1913) was an American Brevet Brigadier General and lawyer who participated in the American Civil War. He commanded the 26th New Jersey Infantry Regiment and participated in at least 21 battles of the war throughout his military career. He was also the Commissioner of Naval Credits, saving thousands of resources for his home state. Jackson was also a prestigious lawyer, becoming the assistant United States District Attorney of the Southern District of New York in 1870.

Early years Joseph was born on August 5, 1835, at Newark, New Jersey as one of several children of John Peter Jackson and Elizabeth Huntington Wolcott Jackson as well as a descendant of the Huntington family. Jackson was educated at the Newark Academy, the Phillips Academy and finally at Yale University with 21 society and college honors with extra studies at the New York University and Harvard University. Jackson was then made Aide-de-Camp of Philip Kearny and was made as a part of Kearny's staff. During this time, Jackson was offered to command the 61st New York Infantry Regiment as a full Colonel but Jackson declined.

Legal career After being mustered out, Jackson continued his legal career at New York City before being admitted into the United States Supreme Court and Jackson began getting involved within the State Courts of New York and New Jersey. In 1870, Jackson became the assistant District Attorney of the Southern District of New York in 1870. He was also a counselor of the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railway, the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and numerous other banks and corporations. Jackson was also an active member of the Republican Party in New York and New Jersey, actively advocating for it. He was also a member of the Society of Political Reform and an active participant in the removal of Police Commissioner Gardner and Oliver Charlick. For many years, Jackson was the director of the New York City Mission as well as the vice president of the Yale Alumni Association of the City of New York. In 1888, Jackson acted as Grand Marshal for James G. Blaine as Jackson was a frequent contributor of the press. Jackson was also a member of the Union League Club and the Law Institute.