Joseph J. Jackson is one of the self-made men of the Tenth District of Dyer County, and was born in Decatur County April 15, 1833, and was one of seven children born to Jacob and Martha Jackson. His father was born in East Tennessee in 1792, married there and some time after moved to Decatur County, where he died in 1837. He was a farmer. His mother was born in East Tennessee in 1801, and died in 1840. Our subject is in every sense of the word a self-made man. In 1849 he married Jane, daughter of Washington and Dorcas Lee. She was born in Giles County October 14, 1833. They have eight children: Martha A. (wife of Lee Reeves), Jessie, Thomas, General, Joseph, Mary Etta, Noah and Roark. After marriage Mr. Jackson located in Decatur County and farmed. October, 1865, he moved to Dyer County, where he now lives and owns 760 acres of fine land, well improved; and in connection with the farm work he raises and deals in stock. When he married all he had was a horse and $25, and he worked for 25 cents a day until he earned enough to buy fifteen pounds of feathers for a bed, and then they commenced housekeeping. When he moved to Dyer County all he had was a yoke of steers and cart, a mare and colt, and 75 cents in money. He farmed one year on shares, and then bought a small tract of land and went to work to earn a home for his family, and now owns a handsome property, illustrating the power of economy and industry. Mr. Jackson had no education himself, and, appreciating the advantages of it, he has given his children the benefit of the best schools. He is well known and respected by all. In 1862 he enlisted in Capt. Thomas' company, and at Shiloh was wounded, and retired on that account. His wife and himself are Methodists. He is conservative in politics.