Charles Jackson

Charles Jackson (March 4, 1797January 21, 1876) was the 18th Governor of Rhode Island from 1845 to 1846. Early life Jackson was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on March 4, 1797, and was the son of Richard Jackson, Jr. He graduated from Brown University in 1817, and received a master's degree in 1820. He also studied law with James Burrill, Jr., and was admitted to the bar in 1820. Business career In addition to practicing law, Jackson was involved in several businesses, including a cotton manufacturing company. He also built a rubber factory after acquiring patent rights from Charles Goodyear. Jackson's ventures proved successful, and he later expanded into firearms as operator of the Burnside Rifle Works and a company that manufactured railroad equipment. Political career Jackson was active in politics as a Whig, served several terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and was Speaker from 1841 to 1842. In 1843 he was a delegate to the state constitutional convention.