My name is Robert W Jackson, I was born in Kenosha on August 12, 1842. I am the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jackson who lived in the 1840’s in Oshkosh, and for a short period of time I attended Beloit college.
When the war broke out, I enlisted on August 11, 1862 in the 21st Wisconsin Infantry, Company I as a private. I participated in the battle of Perryville and on the next day, October 9, 1862, I was promoted to Full 2nd Lieutenant. My second promotion to full 1st Lieutenant was on February 20, 1863, after the battle of Stone River. In the battle of Chickamauga, I was captured on September 20, 1863 and became a prisoner of war. I was confined in Libby prison in Richmond, Virginia and later sent to Andersonville, Georgia. While a prisoner, “I had no pants, only a pair of well wore drawers, which came just below my knees and were tied together with a string about my body. I had a ragged, dirty gray shirt to go with my drawers and an old handkerchief was tied about my head, which took place of a hat. I was as well dressed as any of the large company. They took us to the Union lines, where the large force was camped. They knew we were coming. There were thousands of them drawn up in line. Oh, but the old stars and stripes did look good as we reached the hill and looked upon our troops. I shall never forget how we felt as we marched over the bridge and the Union Bands were playing “Home Sweet Home.” These ragged, dirty, starving prisoners marched silently along, while strains filled the air. Only the prisoners who spent a long time in the hands of the enemy could appreciate how delighted we were to get back to the Union lines, to see the old flag, to meet friends, to get some clothes on again and to clean up.” I was released as a prisoner of war in March of 1865 and I mustered out of the army on April 17, 1865.
For a few years after the war, I worked in Oshkosh and then came to Shawano in 1871. Since that time I have been connected with the Upham & Russell Company being a book-keeper and treasurer of the company for many years. On September 14, 1876, I married Lucy A Chrystie, of Toledo, Ohio. We later had a daughter and named her Emmeline.
Politically, I was always a Republican. In 1880, I was elected to the State Assembly and again in 1888. I rose to considerable prominence in the legislature and became well and favorably known throughout the state. So much so, that in 1890, I became a great figure in the Republican convention and was a candidate for the Secretary of State, but was defeated. Again in 1892, I became candidate for the same office but the whole Republican ticket, including Senator, was defeated that year. After that I did not mix in politics but attended strictly to my duties in the Upham & Russell Company office.
I was a prominent Mason being a member of the local lodge for Templar. Upon the organization of the order known as the “Loyal Legion”, I was one of its charter members. This order was made up of Commissioned officers of the Union Army.
I have been a resident of Shawano for forty-four years, and during that time have made a great many friends. I have a gentle disposition and I have always stood by my friends, who had every confidence in me. I have been connected with the company so long that I was known throughout the county. During my sickness hardly a day passed when a number of my personal friends did not call on me. T was always pleasant and had a good word to say about everyone. My wife, Luey died five years ago in 1910, and my only daughter, Emmeline, passed away May 6, 1914. They were both buried in the family plot in the cemetery at Janesville. It is my wish to be buried alongside my wife and daughter in Janesville.
I have been sick for nearly a year, but did not give up attending to my duties until last Christmas. With my health gradually failing and the little time I can be up, I greatly enjoy going on auto rides. Friday I was worse and passed away at four o’clock on Sunday morning June 15, 1915, at Age 72.
After my funeral it was decided that 1 should be buried at Woodlawn and that my daughter, Emmaline and wife, Lucy should be brought from Janesville and laid beside me. Last Friday Walter FI Garfield brought Eminaline and Lucy to Shawano and interred at Woodlawn on Saturday.