“That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to Reason.” — from Jackson's Opening Statement before the International Military Tribunal

Robert H. Jackson's Early Life and Career, 1892-1934



Jackson as a boy with his
father, mother and sister.
Photo from a private collection.

Date

Event

1892

Robert Houghwout Jackson is born in the old Jackson farmhouse in Spring Creek, Warren County, Pennsylvania to William Eldred and Angelina Houghwout Jackson on February 13.

1897-
1909

Jackson family moves to Frewsburg, New York. Attended Frewsburg schools, President of Literary Society at Frewsburg High. Graduated in 1910.


Jackson, at far right, with
his high school senior class.
Photo reprinted from
The Post-Journal.

1909-
1910

Attended Jamestown High School for a one-year graduate course where Jackson was prominent in debating, President of the Lyceum lecture club, and a member the school's forensic society. Delivered oration at class commencement.

1910-
1911
Began a one year apprenticeship with two Jamestown lawyers. He learned how to practice "justice court" (proceedings with non-lawyer judges presiding) cases around the countryside.


Jackson in his youth.
Photo from Fenton History Center.

1911-
1912

Attended Albany Law School, the oldest independent law school in the nation, completing the second (senior) year of its two-year course study. First met Franklin D. Roosevelt, a first-term state senator. Returned to Jamestown and completed a third year of law preparation by apprenticing under Jamestown attorney and cousin Frank H. Mott

1913

At 21 years old, admitted to the New York State Bar on September 22nd, taking lawyer's oath in Rochester, New York on November 24th. Begins practice in Jamestown in Mott's law offices. First case defends Jamestown transit workers and wins.


Jackson married Irene Alice
Gerhardt on April 24, 1916,
and had two children:
William Eldred, born July 19,
1919 and Mary Margaret,
born February 11, 1921.
Photo from Fenton History Center.

1913-
1923

Worked at various law firms with clients throughout western New York. Active in Democratic party politics.


1923-
1933

Senior Partner with the firm of Jackson, Herrick, Durkin & Leet. His specialty was country law and business law.

In 1931, Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints Jackson to the Commission to Investigate the Administration of Justice in New York State.

1934

Appointed General Counsel, Bureau of Internal Revenue by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His life in Washington as a public servant begins.