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ELIHU E. JACKSON was born near Delmar, Somerset (now Wicomico) County, Maryland on November 3, 1837. His education was attained in the public schools of his native state. Jackson owned and operated a mercantile store in Delmar, as well as a grain business with branches in Salisbury, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. He entered politics in 1882, serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, a position he held until 1883. He also served as a member of the Maryland State Senate from 1884 to 1886. Jackson secured the 1887 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and went on to win election to the Maryland governorship on November 8, 1887. He was sworn into office on January 11, 1888. During his tenure, the Australian secret ballot law was sanctioned; the mandatory tobacco inspection law was eliminated; and legislation was enacted that taxed foreign corporations doing business within the state. Also, a scandal erupted that accused the state treasurer of embezzling state funds. After completing his term, Jackson left office on January 13, 1892. Three years later, he was reelected to the Maryland State Senate, a position he held two years. Governor Elihu E. Jackson passed away on December 27, 1907, and was buried at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury, Maryland.

Sources:

Eisenberg, Gerson G. Marylanders Who Served the Nation. Annapolis, MD: Maryland State Archives, 1992.

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

White, Frank F., Jr. The Governors of Maryland, 1777-1972. Annapolis, MD: Hall of Records Commission, 1970.

Maryland State Archives