born in south carrollton, kentucky, jackson attended the common schools and west kentucky college, and then studied law. he was admitted to the bar and practiced. he moved to howard, kansas, in 1881 and engaged in the practice of law. he served as prosecuting attorney of elk county in 1890. he served as judge of the thirteenth judicial district of kansas in 1892. he moved to winfield, kansas, in 1898.