American Civil War General. The first graduate of Norwich University after it made the transition from an academy to a college, Jackman worked as a laborer and teacher before attending Norwich University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1836 and a master's degree in 1840. Jackman joined the Norwich faculty as Professor of Mathematics, also serving as librarian and teaching natural philosophy, civil engineering and military science. In the 1840s he wrote an article on constructing an underwater telegraph, including methods of insulating and laying cable, and when the Transatlantic line was laid in the 1850s and 1860s Jackman received credit for originating the idea. From 1847 to 1848 he served as a Major and brigade drill master in the New Hampshire Militia. In 1859 he was commissioned as Colonel of the 2nd Vermont Militia Regiment, and in 1860 he was appointed a Brigadier General. At the start of the Civil War Governor Erastus Fairbanks offered him command of the 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment, but at the same time requested that Jackman decline it and stay in Vermont to train new recruits, and Jackman consented. Following the Confederate raid on St. Albans, Vermont in October, 1864, the northernmost action of the Civil War, General Jackman commanded troops along the Canadian border. In 1862 Jackman was awarded an honorary doctorate from Norwich University. Jackman Hall, the first building erected when the university moved from the town of Norwich to the town of Northfield after an 1866 fire, is named for him.
American Civil War General. The first graduate of Norwich University after it made the transition from an academy to a college, Jackman worked as a laborer and teacher before attending Norwich University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1836 and a master's degree in 1840. Jackman joined the Norwich faculty as Professor of Mathematics, also serving as librarian and teaching natural philosophy, civil engineering and military science. In the 1840s he wrote an article on constructing an underwater telegraph, including methods of insulating and laying cable, and when the Transatlantic line was laid in the 1850s and 1860s Jackman received credit for originating the idea. From 1847 to 1848 he served as a Major and brigade drill master in the New Hampshire Militia. In 1859 he was commissioned as Colonel of the 2nd Vermont Militia Regiment, and in 1860 he was appointed a Brigadier General. At the start of the Civil War Governor Erastus Fairbanks offered him command of the 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment, but at the same time requested that Jackman decline it and stay in Vermont to train new recruits, and Jackman consented. Following the Confederate raid on St. Albans, Vermont in October, 1864, the northernmost action of the Civil War, General Jackman commanded troops along the Canadian border. In 1862 Jackman was awarded an honorary doctorate from Norwich University. Jackman Hall, the first building erected when the university moved from the town of Norwich to the town of Northfield after an 1866 fire, is named for him.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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