Jackson was born in Cedar Hill, Georgia, near Savannah.
He studied law, gained admittance to the state bar and became a practicing attorney.
Jackson served on the Savannah municipal council and also as the city's Mayor.
Jackson served as a captain in the Savannah Volunteer Guards and also as a colonel of the 1st Regiment in the Georgia Militia in addition to serving as judge of the superior court of Georgia.
Jackson was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat to fill remainder of the term for the seat left vacant in Georgia's 1st congressional district in the 31st United States Congress by the resignation of Thomas B.