David Jackson

LINCOLN COUNTY NEWS
THURSDAY MAY 9, 1963
PAGE 1
OUR FRIEND DAVE JACKSON

Today, Dave Jackson, White Oaks pioneer and one of the stout hearted who remained, went to meet his maker. Time passed swiftly for Jack and even at the ripe old age of 94, he possessed youthful qualities that endeared him to all of those who fell within the circle of charm that was his, as he related stores of a bygone era, of the Heart’s Desire that was White Oaks as it reached the Zenith when men labored at the Little ac and the South Homestake, to produce the gold that brought riches to some and heartbreak to others. He was there and worked shoulder to shoulder and and played and grub-staked the unlucky. And later he watched the decline, as empty heart and empty pocket books waled hand in hand with those who could still leave with some hope and some wealth to stalk the promise of another strike. and the end of the rainbow. And when they were gone, Jack remained. He kept faith and countless are they who have sat spellbound as he told of those brighter days, the days of his youth, when he came seeking riches and found them in the life that was his, a life of fair play, honesty and charity to all. It wasn’t whether he won or lost how he played the game. Adios, Jack.

He was a leading figure in White Oaks, NM.
A black man who came there in 1897 and worked his way up to being a partner in 2 of the bigger mines in town – the North Homestake Mine and the South Homestake Mine.
Was instrumental in establishing the first electric power plant in Lincoln Count for public use.
Also instrumental in bringing the first electric lights in Carrizozo.
Later taught Sunday School to most of the children in town.