Edward L. "Ed" Jackson (1873 - 1954) was governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from January 12, 1925 to January 14, 1929. He was born in Howard County, Indiana, the son of a millworker.
Jackson received a legal education in his home county and subsequently set up a law practice. In 1898 he entered politics and became prosecuting attorney for Henry County, and in 1902 he was appointed a circuit court judge. His work in the Indiana Capitol was interrupted by his enlistment in the army during World War I; after receiving his discharge, he returned to the state political scene.
In 1924, Jackson was elected the Republican governor of Indiana. His term in office was marked by the revelation of scandals related to the murder trial of D. C. Stephenson, the Grand Dragon (state leader) of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan (the KKK had helped get Jackson elected). Jackson himself was charged with trying to bribe former governor Warren T. McCray but was eventually acquitted because of the expiration of the statute of limitations.
After his term as governor, Jackson returned to practicing law. He later moved to southern Indiana as a farmer. He was incapacitated by a stroke in 1948, and was confined to a bed until his death six years later.
External Link
Ed Jackson biography
Last updated: 05-29-2005 03:47:21
