The New International Encyclopædia/Jackson, William Lawies

JACKSON, William Lawies (1840—). An English politician. He was born in Yorkshire. was educated privately and at a school conducted by the Moravians, and entered upon a business career. In 1876 he sought election to the House of Commons as member for Leeds in the Conservative interest, but was defeated. In 1880 he was successful in North Leeds, and was returned for that constituency on four subsequent occasions. His abilities were recognized in 1885 in his appointment as Financial Secretary to the Treasury in Lord Salisbury's first Administration, and he held the same office in the second Administration of that statesman, formed in 1886. In 1890 he was appointed Privy Councilor, and in 1891-92 served as Chief Secretary for Ireland. While engaged in politics he maintained his connection with business enterprises, and was for some time chairman of the Great Northern Railway Company.