John JACKSON was one of my 3rd great grandfathers. He was born and reared in a pioneer home in Kiskiminetas township, Armstrong County, PA, sharing the toils and privations incident to a residence in the wilderness, he was specially prepared to cope with nature in its wildest aspect of unleveled forest and uncultivated fields, and well did he fulfill his arduous portion in life and assist in laying the foundations for the manifold blessings we now enjoy. Starting without assistance in life, the farm owned by his father having passed from their possession, he first purchased seventy-five acres of uncultivated land, now possessed by his sons, S.M. and J.Y. Jackson, and boldly began the arduous task of carrying out for himself a home in the wilderness under the many discouraging surroundings of the pioneer, but being possessed of indomitable pluck and energy, he became one of the most successful farmers of this section, and his small farm of seventy-five acres was gradually increased until he became the possessor, at one time, of between 600 and 800 acres. Mr. Jackson took an active part in educational affairs and was for many years a member of the district school board. Politically he affiliated with the Whig party, then in a minority in the county. Although wedded to his chosen avocation, he took deep interest in public affairs and was one of a company that built the first bridge across the Kiskiminetas, at Apollo.

Mr. Jackson was very esteemed by his associates and was selected near and far to act as arbitrator in disputes between neighbors, and he was always just and equitable in the decisions. Although not a member of any church, he attended the United Presbyterian church, of which he was a liberal supporter.

October 5, 1826, he married Elizabeth McCartney, of Scotch parentage, who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1805, and died August 9, 1880. She was a most estimable Christian lady, being a member of the United Presbyterian church, and well fulfilled her mission in life both as a companion for her husband and a mother to her children, to whom she was devotedly attached, and her affection for them was warmly reciprocated.

They became the parents of ten children, viz:

Nancy Jane (Coleman) 1827-1919,
Sarah T (Martin) 1829-1928,
James Y.1831-1901,
Samuel M.1833-1906,
John T.,1837-1892
William T.1839-1876,
Mary E. (Owens)1841-1922,
Martha M (Cochran)1843-1918,
Joseph B. 1845-1927
and Winfield S.1849-1853.

Source: Pages 232-246, History of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania by Robert Walker Smith, Esq.
Chicago: Waterman, Watkins & Co., 1883.
Transcribed December 1998 by Rodney G Rosborough for the Armstrong County Smith Project.
Published 1999 by the Armstrong County Pennsylvania Genealogy Project.