Sir John Jackson (4 February 1851 – 14 December 1919) was a Unionist Member of Parliament for Devonport, from 1910–18, retiring from politics when his constituency was merged into another.
Born at York, he worked in Newcastle before studying engineering at Edinburgh University under Peter Guthrie Tait. On Tait's death in 1901, Jackson endowed a research fund named after him.
His construction company built docks in Glasgow and he was responsible for finishing the Manchester Ship Canal, for which he was knighted.
He first stood for office as the Conservative candidate in the 1904 Devonport by-election, losing to Liberal candidate John Benn. He stood for the seat again in the 1906 general election and lost again. He was finally victorious in the January 1910 general election, winning the seat again in the December 1910 general election and standing down at the 1918 general election.
Jackson married Ellen Julia Myers in 1876. They had five daughters.
Was born in 1851, and educated at York and Edinburgh University. He is a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and Commodore of the Royal South-Western Yacht Club.
He is an enthusiastic small-boat sailer, and has raced in the smaller classes. The Windrush, 3-tons lugger, built by Sibbick in 1893, was purchased by Sir John, and raced at Plymouth, winning a good number of flags. Sir John also owns the s.y. Gelert, 122 tons, designed by St. C. Byrne, and built by Fullerton, Paisley. She is built to Lloyd’s highest class.
Gelert, S. Y., 122 tons. Sir John Jackson.
Clubs: Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal South Western, Royal Western of England.
Residence: 48, Belgrave Square, S.W.
Vessels: Windrush; Gelert