An unedited transcription of a page 1 obituary from 7 Apr 1898 Simcoe Reformer. [Paragraph breaks inserted by the transcriber, the original was a single paragraph.]

Death of Mr. John Jackson

Mr. John Jackson, an old and highly esteemed resident of this town passed away on Wednesday last in the 80th year of his age.

The deceased had been a resident of Simcoe for over half a century, and in company with his brother, Mr. Geo. Jackson, who survives him, carried on extensively contracting and the manufacture of furniture for many years in this town. 

They first established shops on the corner of Union and Colborne streets, on the lot now occupied by the residence of Mr. James Allgeo; afterwards removing to a large shop which they had erected on the vacant lot east of the Empire Block.

Their establishment having been destroyed by fire, they rebuilt on Colborne street opposite the new curling rink, and carried on business there for some years, but their works were again destroyed by fire.

The brothers then dissolved partnership, and the deceased purchased the farm on the western limits of the town, recently sold by him to Mr. W. P. Innes. Here he devoted himself to farming, and being an ardent horticulturist he spent a great deal of time in the cultivation and care of fruit with much success.

The deceased was an enterprising business man, and took a lively interest in the improvement of the town. He served terms in the Town Council, on the Board of Education and on the Free Library Board. 

In politics he was a staunch Liberal-Conservative and a staunch supporter of British principles. In religion he was a Presbyterian, being one of the fathers of that church in this district.

His wife died a few years ago, since which time the infirmities of age grew rapidly upon him forcing him to retire from active pursuits. 

A number of children predeceased him.  He leaves behind two sons -- Mr. J. B. Jackson, coal and lumber merchant of this town, and Dr. Harry P. Jackson, of Detroit. By his death Simcoe loses another of her launder landmarks.

Copyright 1999-2013 John Cardiff