JOSEPH E. JACKSON is probably the oldest native born citizen of Hanover township whose life has been wholly spent in the township, and is the oldest living representative of the oldest family in the township. The family were numbered among the first of those heroic men and women who, leaving childhood's home and early friends, braved innumerable perils to establish civilization in the unbroken wilderness. When we read the record of these early martyrs we may well exclaim with the poet: Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing? The pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king? They live by others' labor; take all and nothing give. The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live. In 1772 two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jackson, came from their eastern home in search of Government land, and crossing the mountains, pushed on till they stood on the western shore of the Monongahela river, within the limits of what is now Washington county. They were finally attracted by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery indicative of fertile soil, and pausing on the boundaries of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out an extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their only weapons were two trusty flint-locks, with which to defend themselves against the prowling beasts of the forest or a more wily human foe. Traces of Indians were plentiful, and with the utmost caution did the young men move from tree to tree, marking off their claim, and ever listening for the stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They succeeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land, but, desiring to form a colony, returned to their homes before making any improvements. By offering every possible inducement they persuaded a number to return with them and seek a fortune in the "far West." Any article of clothing was accepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving a hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared. When the colony was at length fully organized, they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors, and with the necessary supplies began the toilsome journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and leaves was immediately erected, which was soon supplanted by log cabins, and religious services were then held regularly. In the absence of any minister, prayer meetings were held, and a church being organized the two Jackson brothers were appointed as the first elders, both of whom contributed liberally to its support. It is impossible to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring energy of these men, who gave their lives that future generations might enjoy the blessings of a prosperous home. The following children were born to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to Belmont county, Ohio, locating on the farm which is now the site of Centreville), Edward, Fanny (wife of Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan Potts) and Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford). Edward Jackson was reared amid the privations of frontier life, receiving a very limited education, and from early youth assisted in clearing the land. He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a native of Maryland. She was a daughter of William Jackson, who was no relation of Edward, but came to Hanover township in an early day. To the union of Edward and Rebecca Jackson sixteen children were born, of whom the following attained an adult age: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Mayhew, Pugh, W. Va.), Mary (wife of David Fulton, Hanover township), Lydia (Mrs. John McCullough, of Florence), William (of Hanover township), Edward, George, Thomas, Andrew, David, Simeon and Rebecca. Of these, Joseph E. and Andrew are yet living. The father was originally a Whig, but during Jackson's administration joined the Democratic party. In church relation he was a zealous member of the M. E. Church, although reared in the Presbyterian faith. He died in 1848, having been preceded to the grave by his wife about five months. They are buried in the cemetery at Florence. Joseph E. Jackson (the subject proper of this sketch) was born July 31, 1807, on the old Jackson homestead in Hanover township. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and for a short time in the winter season attended the rate schools of the vicinity. The children were usually set to work on the farm at an early age, and Joseph was no exception to that rule. In 1832 he was married to Mary Cunningham, who was vorn in 1802, a daughter of Francis Cunningham, who was a native of Maryland and an early settler of Hanover township. After his marriage Joseph Jackson located in Hanover township, along the headwaters of King's creek, where he erected a very substantial and commodious dwelling, also making numerous improvements. Being overtaken by a disasterous fire, this residence was entirely consumed with all the contents. After the accident he removed to an adjoining farm, which owned and has since resided there. Mr. Jackson began life with no capital, and has always been a leading farmer, now owning six hundred acres of good land. He is yet able to do chores about the house and light farm work, in which he delights to be employed. Politically he has always supported the Democratic party, and in religion for over fifty years has been a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Jackson passed away in 1868, leaving the following children: James (a farmer of Jefferson township), Edward (a farmer of Hanover township), Margaret (Mrs. John Anderson, of Jefferson township) and Rebecca (wife of Johnson Hitchcock, of Harrison county, Ohio).

Text taken from page 916 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Marsha Richins of Columbia, MO as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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