1948 George Washington Jackson

George W. Jackson, whose home is at Nelson, is a name and personage honored and loved by the people of Nebraska and known in each of the forty-eight states wherever Fairs, 4-H Clubs, and breeders of fine stock have congregated; a statesman doing his best for his beloved state; a lover of music, spreading cheer in the pioneer days; a future builder; a home lover; a grand neighbor and a thoughtful loving parent.

Born April 11, 1858 in Joe Davies County, Illinois, near Galena, the hometown of ex-President Grant; his parents, William and Elizabeth Jackson, lived on a small farm a short distance from the town and school; they were an ambitious and genteal couple, striving to raise their family of four boys and a girl, to be useful, loyal citizens.

The father died when George was only eleven months old, leaving the widow to carry on bravely, striving to fulfill the wishes and plans of the departed loved one, and following her great ambition to keep and raise the children together, until old enough to go out into the world on their own. Her dream was realized, but it took many long and tedious years to fulfill it.

In a one-roomed schoolhouse nearby, George received all of his “book learning”, but Mother Nature and experience have continued his education as the years rolled by. Each morning as he looked out upon a new day, he was ready and eager for new thoughts and ideas, both to receive and give to his fellowmen.

Seventy-five pupils in one room and with one schoolmaster, seems impossible today, yet the lives of some of our greatest statesmen and heroes were molded in this manner.

When asked how the schoolmaster managed so many, Mr. Jackson smiled and said, “Well, beginners hadn’t much chance among seventy-five big fellows but we got along.” He chuckled when asked if he found time for fun, and said, “This isn’t for publication, but I was thinking the other day, about the time I persuaded my seatmate to crawl to the back of the room and back to our seat. Well, we started while the teacher was busy at the blackboard, going quickly and quietly, and as no command to halt came, we supposed we were successful. Upon reaching our seats we noticed someone in the center but dared not raise our heads until safely seated. Imagine our dismay on looking up to find our teacher sitting between us. Not a word was spoken, or punishment given; NONE WAS NEEDED.

At the age of eleven, George decided to quit school and become a teamster, hauling lead blocks or ‘pigs’ (as they were often called) from a smelter near Elizabeth to Galena, a distance of fifteen miles, thus adding to the family’s budget, but promising Mother to attend school when not busy. A boy of eleven today, would be unable to handle or even be considered for such a job as teamster; but times were different in 1869, as were the boys, we are quite sure. With George, it was to help lift the load from Mother’s shoulders that made him stick with his job, and while doing so, Mother Nature was slyly teaching him the lessons needed in this old world, training him to handle any emergency or problem and fitting him to lead the useful and successful life he has always led.

It was while teaming, he became interested in ‘Fairs’ and finally asked his Mother to allow him to exhibit a fine colt he called his own at the County Fair. It took several weeks of coaxing, but he won out, and started at once to feed and prepare the colt for the big day. It was a great event, in those days, to be an exhibitor, so George worked long and hard the three remaining weeks to “dress up” his colt for their first venture into whirl of ‘Fairs’ and as he worked, his confidence increased until he was certain the blue ribbon would come to him.

On the morning of the great day, September of 1869, he left home leading the colt’s mother behind the wagon with it following, and on a board placed across the wagon box sat George, feeling sure he was on top of the world. Spring seats in those days were a luxury, and he, in the course of the day, found there were less than a dozen of them on the fair ground.

Two other colts were entered by seasoned exhibitors, and as George noticed the judge kept looking at one of the other entries he grew pale and worried, and when the blue ribbon was handed the other man and he received the red one, he tells us he never was so disappointed before nor since.

His schoolmates on hand to cheer for their friend, were as crest fallen as he as they followed him back to the shed, where he broke into tears and declared, “This is the last time I will ever come to this rotten old Fair, that old judge doesn’t know a colt from a calf.” But the judge noticed his grief and came to him, saying: “My lad, I am sorry, but you were up against experienced exhibitors. If you will now take advantage of this experience, and start to prepare your colt for the next year, I really believe yours will be the largest and best.”

This bit of encouragement gave George new thought and energy and he hurried home, but before entering the house, he curried that colt; later he heard that eggs mixed in the grain, would make it slick and healthy, and immediately eggs started disappearing much to his mother’s consternation, but he never revealed his secret to her.

The following year, he, with his yearling, was again at the Fair, competing against the same colt, and with the same judge, who took a good look at the colts and handed George the blue ribbon.

Then how the air rang with the shouts of those loyal school pals who were once more present to witness and cheer the triumph of their comrade.

Several years passed with George still hauling lead to Galena, and bringing freight back. Soon the urge to “go west” prevailed, and with his friend, Ira Glessner, decided to drive their teams and covered wagons through to Nebraska and break prairie.

The night before leaving, their friends came with cakes, pies, bread, fruit, etc. to last them the entire trip of two weeks. Their first job was in Lincoln hauling rock from the railroad yards over to the city, to build basements, and one he remembers was that of the State Journal office, and was about the year 1880.

Early that fall, his friend sold his team and returned home to Illinois by rail. Later George too thought of home, and with his brother who had been located in Nebraska for some time, drove back for a visit. While there a friend in Colorado wrote him to come. Selling his team, he boarded a train and again headed west for Del North, Colorado; he landed a job driving a stagecoach and remained there several years.

His stage route was from Del North to Sumnuteville, the highest gold mining camp in the world and carrying him over the Rocky Mountains and across the Continental Divide. It was over this route Billie the Kid had previously killed a man on top the stage, and for which he was hung.

Mr. Jackson never met the Kid, but stood under the tree several times where the Kid had been hung. He rather regrets not experiencing a real holdup while driving; but one day three men tried to stop him as he passed through the valley; and fearing the worst, set his outfit on the run; but one of the men caught hold of the coach as it passed and swung inside. Mr. Jackson drove a few miles then raised the curtain behind his seat, pulled his gun on the man, and ordered him to get out, and before he’d finished speaking, the man was on the ground. Mr. Jackson continued to cover him until he had driven out of danger. Later the three came to see Jackson in Sumnuteville and made the statement that they were not trying to hold up the coach, they simply wanted to ride up to camp.

After several years of stage driving, Mr. Jackson again returned to the old home, and before leaving persuaded his Mother to move with him to Nebraska and be near brother Josiah in Gage county.

The following year he was married to Miss Cora Ann Hosking of Elizabeth, Illinois, on November 18, 1885, and brought her to his new State and where their first home was made. After seven years on Gage County, they decided to go farther west, landing in Nuckolls county, where they purchased a farm near Cadams and entered the pure-bred stock business. After holding twenty-one public sales, and shipping pure-bred hogs all over the United States, he entered into politics, and sold his farming interests.

He was elected County Clerk of Nuckolls County in 1904 and moved to Nelson, serving two terms. He then bought an implement store in the home town, and operated this business until 1925.

During this time, he had been elected as Representative from Nuckolls county and served three sessions in the State Legislature, 1913, 1915, 1917. He was elected Speaker of the Legislature in 1915, 1917 and at the extra war session in 1917. He was the only man (up to this time) who had ever served as Speaker of the House two consecutive sessions.

At the close of the 1915 session, members of the Legislature presented him with a fine gold watch, which he prizes very highly.

In 1920 and 1921 he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and after convening, was selected as its vice-president.

In 1921 he was candidate for governor of Nebraska, but was defeated in the primaries by ex-governor Morehead.

About 1910 Mr. Jackson was elected secretary of his home County Fair and through the cooperation of the people in the county, it was classed as the leading county fair in the state. In 1911 he was elected a member of the State Fair Board, and served in all of the many positions and offices until 1925 when he was elected secretary, serving as such for eight years. During this time he was elected President of the Middle West Fair Circuit, consisting of eight states - Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana; with all meetings held in Chicago.

Always a promoter of progress, and guided by his motto “Best Better”, Mr. Jackson now cherishes the knowledge that he was the founder of many things still operating successfully on the Fair Grounds; and that he saved the state thousands of dollars through large and small projects. Also, that all the large buildings on the grounds were built through his efforts while in the Legislature or during his administration as secretary. It was in his first session of the legislature (1913) he presented the bill of $108,000 for the building of the Agricultural Hall, which passed, and his name was placed on the southwest corner of the building.

Let us follow his records down the file and review those early years with him in the State Fair work, starting with 1920. A contract was made with the Automobile Auditorium Association to erect a building 87x200 feet to be known and used as an automobile exhibit building; they to have full use and control of same for a period of ten years, then to become the property of the State. In the spring of 1926, a similar contract was made in order to complete the building which cost $39,000.

What was known as the “State Fair on Wheels” was originated and developed into an outstanding attraction, but required long and strenuous persuasion by Mr. Jackson before the Board was convinced.

In 1926 they secured the Chicago Stock Yards Company exhibit with their 8-horse hitch for the first time at the Fair, and with no charge. They returned several years thereafter.

The spelling contest was inaugurated, also the Egg Show and a Bird and Cat show.

In 1927 the C.B. & Q. Railroad was persuaded to build a side-tract outside the grounds making it a convenient unloading near the Agricultural Hall.

The same year a class was made for high school bands with $2,000 set aside for premiums.

In 1928 more dining halls and a blacksmith shop were built, also plans were considered for a new grandstand, costing $250,000 to be financed by the debenture plan. The grandstand to include a new fence and tunnel. Carefully considering every angle, it was decided to build a unit on to the old-grandstand, where bleachers stood, and in such a manner that new sections could be added as finances allowed. In January the Secretary of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Walter Whitten, met with the Board for the purpose of working out ways and means of financing a new unit. He immediately called the secretaries of the Lincoln Trust Company, and they informed the board that either a new unit or a complete grandstand could be financed but advised the board it was necessary to have a law passed authorizing them to proceed. The time had passed for the introduction of bills into the Legislature, except by the governor, and Governor Weaver kindly consented to introduce the bill, and it was passed without a dissenting vote. Contractors and architects were immediately called to investigate conditions of the old stand, before adding the new unit and found dry-rot in the beams and lumber, making it unwise to use; therefore a completely new structure was the wise thing. It was built the following year at a cost of $250,000. A new residence was also built in 1928 for the Superintendent of the Fair Grounds, the funds appropriated by the Legislature.

In 1929 blank contracts were mailed out to all Nebraska contractors for the building of the grandstand. At the Board meeting, when bids were opened, George asked to have the bids sent out once more, explaining that he had been in conference with the Burlington Railroad officials, and had obtained a verbal contract as follows: “They would build a track into the grounds as close as possible to the building; after its completion they would remove said track and smooth off the grounds, without a cent of cost.” When the second bids were opened they were $1,500 less by having the material placed at the building space.

This same plan was arranged by him in 1931 when building the 4-H Club Building, saving the State $1,100 and making a total saving of $2,600.00.

It was in this year of 1929 the State Fair was visited by people from all corners of the United States. Its influence was felt in every part of the vast country, and the records show that forty-four states and Canada were represented, together with the ninety-three counties of the State. The attendance hit a new high that year on Labor Day, reaching 114,000.

In 1931 Mr. Jackson was responsible for bringing the first rural school chorus to the State Fair. The plan being to have all the pupils of the rural schools of the state, above the third grade, learn the ten selected songs during the school year, by singing with the phonograph. Through the cooperation of the State Superintendent’s office, who sponsored the plan and issued certificates to the members of the chorus, a very successful program was held on Sunday, the opening day of the Fair, the choir of 400 young voices sang in front of the grandstand in the afternoon and evening.

Mr. Jackson holds the honor and credit from over the entire state for obtaining the appropriation from the Legislature of $150,000 to build the 4-H Club Building which is conceded to be the largest and most convenient, exclusive exhibit club building in the United States. It consists of 232,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and contains no dark corners. It was dedicated September 6, 1931 and after the program a beautiful Silver Set was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson by the 4-H Club boys and girls organization of the State of Nebraska.

In January of the year 1933, he retired from the Fair Board, and the College of Agriculture honored him and his good wife with a banquet given at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, the faculty with their wives, also several from the University were present totaling nearly one hundred guests.

Early in the year of 1936, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson moved back to the old home in Nelson, but shortly a letter arrived from the Dallas, Texas Centennial, requesting him to come at once and assist with the livestock exhibit, taking organizations of young people through the barns, explaining to them the different breeds of horses, cattle and hogs, which proved very interesting work, with grand people to work with and he gained many friends.

In November he returned home and took up the pleasurable task of creating and caring for the beautiful grounds surrounding his home, and for relaxation, took time out to compile a History of all Centennials, Expositions and World’s Fairs, that were large enough to be classified as such. His search for the facts making up this volume took time and patience, and his needed information was obtained from all State Fair Boards of the United States, Canada, and may other countries. This work was published and on sale the spring of 1937.

Now for a glance at some of the personal side of our neighbor, showing his fore-sightedness and generosity while trying to make “Best Better”: In the year of 1928, with seventeen years of state fair experience, he became interested in 4-H club work then existing in only a few of the other states. He brought the subject up before the State Fair Board but could obtain no support; George’s determination to promote the good work and assist the youth of our state led him on in many heated arguments which followed. He proved the $80.00 lost from the concession on the ground where the 4-H exhibit would be placed, would be a good investment for the future. At the close of the second days argument, they grudgingly consented. George was thankful for his success thus far, and proceeded to build up this new venture for our Nebraska boys and girls - a venture which has turned to be a thriving organization in all of the forty-eight states, and has held the Fairs together these past several years of rationing.

In order to give this new problem a fair start, George knew a contest was needed, and decided to finance it himself offering $50.00 in five prizes, $15.00 for first prize, $12.00 for second, $10.00 for third, $7.00 for fourth and $6.00 for fifth. This plan continued the four remaining years of his work as Secretary and he paid with his personal check the lucky boy or girl who was brave enough to venture into this new organization and have a winner. Then to make the thrill even greater, George had the Governor present the checks during a program before the vast audience and thus advertising and promoting still further this good work.

And now back to an earlier period of his life, 1892, and he and his wife were located on their farm near Cadams. Both were great lovers of music, and wished to pass on to others George’s talent for singing and so he started a vocal class of the young folks of the neighborhood, meeting once a week at the Jackson home. This soon grew in popularity until the house would no longer accommodate the crowd, and the schoolhouse was then used. The class continued on through the following seasons, with a concert given each spring, the building and windows packed with the crowds of eager listeners.

After the first year he was called upon to teach all over the country, but he accepted only four schools for a period of six months, one night each week, and $1.00 per pupil. He was anxious to have all the young people attend and in his conference with the parents, said, “Now if you feel that you cannot raise the money to pay, just forget about it.” But it created such pleasure to all who took part, that soon it became very beneficial to the different communities; thus the singing schools were continued for years afterwards.

It was his love for music that urged him to bring the high school bands to the Fair. A class was made for them and $2,000 in premiums set aside. This soon increased the attendance by the presence of the children’s parents.

Mr. Jackson is proud of the acknowledgement received in 1929 from agricultural officials from Washington, D.C. traveling over all the states, visiting the fairs. While in Lincoln, Mr. Jackson personally conducted them through all of the important buildings. On returning to D.C. at the close of their tour, one of them wrote him stating they had found the Nebraska Fair the most educational of all the Fairs visited.

On November 18, 1935, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Kelly, who resided near Nora. The home was opened to visitors through the afternoon and evening, and over one hundred forty guests made use of this privilege to extend hearty congratulations and good wishes. Among them were various state officials, and members of the Agricultural College, and if weather had permitted, hundreds more would have attended. A program of special features entertained the guests during the afternoon, while the evening guests spent the time singing with their old choir leader. Their son Earl with his wife drove up from Dallas and assisted in entertaining the many guests. The poem “Friendship” used on their invitations reveals their love for poetry as well as music, which we quote:
We would rather have your friendship while we’re living
Your flowers can not help us when we’re gone;
The things you think of doing or of giving
May fail or not be needed later on.
Your kindly words and pleasant smiles forgiving
Will clear the murky sky overheard
So we would rather have your friendship while we’re living
Than your tears after we are dead.

After Mrs. Jackson’s death March 6, 1942, a vacant chair and bed were left in the home. Invalided for several years, her care was Mr. Jackson’s greatest concern and her going left him without that task, also the last chapter of their life to be finished alone. But deeds of kindness are his specialty and he found solace in helping others.

He still lives in the beautiful old home in Nelson, his daughter Mrs. Fred Kelly, with her husband and family came from Nora to live with and care for him his remaining years. The three Kelly daughters Gwen, Donna and Charlotte, and son Freddie are busy young folk, attending university and college, preparing to take over where grandfather leaves off.

His son Earl, wife and two sons, Earl Jr. and George reside at Dallas, Texas, but at present Earl Jr. is in the Army Air Corps and George with the Marine Air Corps ready to defend their country.

Mr. Jackson is from a line of long-lived ancestors; his mother lacked two months of reaching the century mark; his only sister lived 93 years; the eldest brother 92 years; and two other brothers 87 and 82 respectively. To have lived usefully, courageously, and unselfishly is indeed an honor; but to continue living thus for 86 years, and still be ready to lend a helping hand, is a goal seldom attained by the most of us; but with Mr. Jackson it is simply a matter-of-course, he has many years ahead for him, and will enjoy every moment of them.

The following poem, written by Mr. Jackson, is my choice of the many he has written; it shows the heart of our friend was always with the youth of the day, trying to help them make their life better:

A THOUGHT FOR STUDENTS
It’s a mighty good thing, while you are running life’s race,
Just to pause as you go and come face to face
With your conscience, and ask it a question or two,
For it’s right you should know what your life means to you.

Have you done things worth while, or have you drifted along,
Have you filled it with sighs or have you filled it with song;
Have you helped when you should, have you tried to do right,
Have you struggled for good, or just fought for might?

Have you given your hand to some fellow in need,
Have you sneered at the man who was not of your creed;
Have you been open hearted and ready to do,
Have you tried to be just, have you tried to be true?

Do you love little children and beauties of earth,
Do you honor your parents that gave you your birth;
Do you respect old age, the pioneers of late
Who gave us our country, our home and our state?

Oh it’s easy to preach, it’s easy to tell
Of the other chap’s faults, but our own faults--oh, well’
Let us sit by the roadside and for a moment pause,
Let us stop finding fault without a just cause.

But the past--let it rest; give a thought to today
And tomorrow as well, for the time’s growing gray;
Do the things that you should, do the best that you can,
Crown your life with good deeds--be a red-blooded man.

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UPON HIS FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

PREAMBLE

WHEREAS, November 18, 1935, marks the fiftieth wedding anniversary of Honorable George W. Jackson, a highly respected member of this House during the 1913, 1915 and 1917 regular legislative sessions and during the special session of 1918, representing the Fifty-sixth Legislative District, and

WHEREAS, the Honorable George W. Jackson enjoys the unique distinction as a public servant in this Legislature in that he is the only Representative who was chosen by his fellow members to serve as their Speaker for two consecutive regular sessions and one special session, and

WHEREAS, the Honorable George W. Jackson has served the state of Nebraska a secretary of the Nebraska State Fair Board for a long period of time not only with distinction and credit to himself but also by such service contributed largely to the development of the Nebraska State Fair as a worthy state agency in the interest of all Nebraska people, and

WHEREAS, this House would be lacking in common courtesy if it neglected to recognize the golden anniversary of the Honorable George W. Jackson which will be celebrated at the home of his daughter at Nora, Nebraska, on November 18, 1935,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA IN FIFTY-FIRST (SPECIAL) SESSION ASSEMBLED:

1. That this House, through the avenue of this resolution, is happy that the opportunity presents itself to felicitate Mr. and Mrs. George W. Jackson, upon their fiftieth wedding anniversary and sincerely hopes that the years of George w. Jackson and his good wife may be lengthened and hereby extends to both of them the good wishes of this House upon their golden wedding anniversary.

2. That the chief clerk of this House be directed forthwith to forward a copy of this resolution, properly authenticated and suitable engrossed to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Jackson, in response to their kind invitation to attend the celebration of their golden wedding.

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This is to certify that the above resolution was regularly introduced and adopted by the Nebraska House of Representatives on the 8th day of November, 1935.
(Signed) - Max Adams - Chief Clerk