The New International Encyclopædia/Jackson, James (soldier)

JACKSON, James (1757-1806). An American soldier and political leader, born in Devonshire, England. He went to Georgia in 1772 and began the study of law. He joined the “Liberty Boys;” took part in the defense of Savannah in 1776; was made brigade-major of the Georgia militia in 1778, and again engaged in the defense of Savannah. After its surrender he went to South Carolina, served with Sumter, Pickens, and Morgan, and was publicly thanked by the last named after the battle of Cowpens. He participated in the siege of Augusta, and was left in command after the capture in 1781. Later he organized a partisan legion, which he commanded. When Savannah was recaptured the Legislature voted him the forfeited house of a Tory. In 1788 he was elected Governor, but declined on account of youth and inexperience. He sat in the First Federal Congress and was elected United States Senator in 1793. This office he resigned in 1795, and was elected to the State Senate in order to force the revocation of the Yazoo land grants. He was an influential member of the Constitutional Convention of 1798, and was elected Governor the same year. In 1801 he returned to the United States Senate, and sat until his death. He was a follower of Jefferson in politics.