Ira Jackson. The distinction of being the most successful breeder of swine in Miami county undoubtedly rests with Ira Jackson, of Monroe township, whose accomplishments in this field of activity have gained him a reputation extending far beyond the limits of his county. Like many other specialists in this region he has not confined his efforts to this line, as he is, also a leading farmer, but in his special field he has won his greatest success. Mr. Jackson is a native of Miami county, born January 28, 1867, a son of Jesse L. and Katherine (Smith) Jackson. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Miami county in young manhood and followed farming throughout his life, winning material success and the respect and confidence of the people of his community. One of a family of eleven children, Ira Jackson was reared on the home farm and early began to take an interest in stock raising, paying particular attention to hogs. After obtaining a public school education he entered actively into agricultural work, and in 1907 settled on his present farm, a splendid tract of 400 acres, on which he has recently erected a modern home, attractive in appearance and commodious in size. The improvements on the farm are such as to impress the observer with the progressive spirit and good management of the owner. For a number of years Mr. Jackson has made a careful study of breeding swine and his animals always bring top prices in the markets. He has also conducted annual sales on his farm, and at a recent sale secured what is supposed to be the highest price ever obtained for a single hog. He has also been an exhibitor at various fairs and expositions, where the stock from the Jackson farm has taken numerous prizes. Primarily a farmer and stock raiser, his private interests have been of a nature to demand the greater part of his attention, but he has not failed in the duties of citizenship, and during the World war was a most generous contributor to the various drives, including the War Chest of Miami county, and especially directed his efforts in behalf of the financial support of the Salvation Army. Mr. Jackson also served efficiently as a member of the board of Miami county commissioners for two terms, rendering his county and his community excellent and conscientious service. He is treasurer of the Jersey Hog Record Association, and his own record as a breeder of swine will be found in the Miami county section of this work devoted to such matters. Mr. Jackson married Minnie, daughter of George Eidemiller, of Miami county.