born in stanton, kansas, jackson moved to greenwood county, kansas, with his parents in 1881. he attended the public schools of miami and greenwood counties. he taught school in kansas from 1885 to 1890. he was graduated in law from the university of kansas at lawrence in 1892. he was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in eureka, kansas. he served as prosecuting attorney of greenwood county from 1893 to 1897. he served as assistant state attorney general in 1906 and 1907. attorney general 1907–1911.