Thomas A. Jackson

Thomas Andrew Jackson (March 2, 1829 – February 15, 1908) was an American farmer, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the southern half of Green County during the 1869 and 1870 terms. Earlier, he served as a Union Army officer through the American Civil War.

Early life Thomas A. Jackson was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in March 1829. He was raised there but received only one year of formal schooling. As the eldest child in his family, he was hired out to neighboring farms from the age of 12 to bring in money for the family. As a young man, he supplemented that income by teaching school in the winters. In 1854, he became involved with the Pennsylvania state militia and was captain of a Fayette County company known as the Falls City Guards.

The 18th Wisconsin Infantry mustered into federal service on March 15, 1862, and arrived at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, on April 5. Within 12 hours of arriving at the field, they were engaged in the Battle of Shiloh. The first hours of the battle were erratic and disorganized, with their division falling back through forested terrain. They eventually reformed a line of battle with other regiments of their division and fought for several hours in this position until the enemy had surrounded them on three sides. At that place, the colonel and major of the regiment were both killed and the lieutenant colonel was wounded. About 175 men of the regiment were captured, including Jackson.

Jackson remained a prisoner of war for nearly seven months until paroled in October. On his return to the regiment, he was promoted to captain of the company.

He died after suffering two strokes on the morning of February 12, 1908.

Personal life and family Thomas Jackson was the eldest of eleven children of Elijah Jackson, a stone and brick mason. His brother Charles H. Jackson, who served with him in the Union Army, rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Jackson married Mary Ann Morris of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1854. They had nine children together. His wife and six children survived him.

Electoral history Wisconsin Assembly (1868, 1869)