JACKSON, Richard (1688-1768), of Crutched Friars, London.

A wealthy Italian merchant, Jackson was elected a director of the South Sea Company in 1730; figured in both the lists submitted by outgoing directors and the shareholders of the Company at the election of new directors in 1733; and remained a director till he became deputy governor in 1764. After contesting Sudbury unsuccessfully in 1726, he was returned for it at the end of the 1734 Parliament as a Government supporter. He was defeated in 1734, petitioning but withdrawing his petition. He did not stand again, dying 11 Jan. 1768. His only son was Richard Jackson, M.P., who corresponded with Benjamin Franklin.1C. Van Doren, Letters and Pprs. Benjamin Franklin and Richard Jackson, 1753-85, pp. 2-3.