8 replies to this topic

[The Chasm]

I am researching this fellow on behalf of the family.

He seemed to come from nowhere and compete in lots of events in 1930/31 in the Sydney area, before retiring from motorsport in late 1931 to become a hotel publican.

It is believed he had personal links to Sir William Morris (Lord Nuffield), and was sent here to race & establish the M.G. name in Australia.

There is a family story that he was a champion cyclist in the UK before coming to Australia.

Charlie Nelson Jackson was born in 1885 in Denby, Yorkshire, and died in November 1957 at Apple Tree Creek, Queensland, Australia.

I have a photo of Charlie, his M.G. Midget, and all his Trophies from 1930/31 which I will post later.

All his trophies have survived and are on loan to the M.G. Car Club of Queensland.

I would appreciate any assistance from TNF's in the UK as to sources for further research.

Cheers

[Geoff E]

His birth was actually registered early in 1887, suggesting he was born in that year or late in 1886, son of Joel JACKSON (a farmer) and Emma HEPPENSTALL who married late in 1886. He married Emma LOCKWOOD in 1910 and, in the 1911 census was living with her parents, still in Yorkshire. In that census, he was shown as "Carting Agent" and his wife's father as "labourer, Loco Shed" so there are no clues there.

Edited by Geoff E, 05 August 2011 - 22:20.

[Vitesse2]

Off the wall question, Geoff. Any indication of siblings called Robin R Jackson or Reginald C Jackson, given that both those names feature strongly in early MG history? Probably a blind alley, but sometimes lateral thinking pays off ...

[The Chasm]

Thank you both for that information and possible siblings - great progress.

There are also two GOLD medals in the trophy collection which appear to be related to his cycle racing.

The first is engraved:- 100 MILES INVITATION RACE - WON BY C.N. JACKSON - 4HRS. 53MINS. - 1906

The second:- H.V.C.C. - FASTEST TIME CUP RACE - 1905 - Presented by C.W. MOON Esq.

Thanks again.

[Vitesse2]

Thank you both for that information and possible siblings - great progress.

There are also two GOLD medals in the trophy collection which appear to be related to his cycle racing.

The first is engraved:- 100 MILES INVITATION RACE - WON BY C.N. JACKSON - 4HRS. 53MINS. - 1906

The second:- H.V.C.C. - FASTEST TIME CUP RACE - 1905 - Presented by C.W. MOON Esq.

Thanks again.

Just throwing out some ideas:

HVCC: Humber Valley/Vale CC? Hull something or other CC? Hull Victoria? Hull Velocipede and Cycle Club? Or maybe Harrogate - although perhaps a little down market for a spa town.

The only extant cycle club I can find that fits in Yorkshire is Holme Valley Wheelers CC, but they weren't founded until 1924.

[The Chasm]

With an average speed of a little over 20MPH, I think we can be sure the first is a cycle medal.

Any idea who C.W. Moon Esq. might be ?.

[Geoff E]

Off the wall question, Geoff. Any indication of siblings called Robin R Jackson or Reginald C Jackson, given that both those names feature strongly in early MG history? Probably a blind alley, but sometimes lateral thinking pays off ...

I think not. There was a Rowland Norton JACKSON who in 1911 was a Labourer at the Sewage Works. Mrs Jackson by that time was 44 so probably wouldn't be having any more.

Holme Valley doesn't seem a bad shout, given the location of Denby. Humber isn't really a river, so doesn't have a valley. Perhaps "V" could be "Victoria".

Edited by Geoff E, 06 August 2011 - 09:16.

[The Chasm]

We have found a bit more information on Charlie Jackson.

He married Eva Lockwood in 1910 at Wakefield in Yorkshire, and emigrated with Eva to Australia from London in October 1911.

If only there was a TNF for Cycle Racing in the UK, we might trace those Gold medals.

We are confident that Charlie was the first to use an MG in competition in Australia - an unknown legend Down Under.

[The Chasm]

A few more details on Charlie Jackson have been uncovered.

He was the Morris Dealer in Bowral, NSW from the mid 1920's to late 1931.

The first known event in Australia for the M-Type M.G. Midget was on the 2nd March 1930, when Mrs Eva Jackson won a 3-day trial organised by the Berrima District Automobile Club.

Charlie used the Midget in Trials, Penrith Speedway and Gerringong (7 mile) Beach races.

The Jackson's left Bowral in late 1931 to start a new life a hotel publicans, moving north to settle in the Childers area.