My Genealogy Hound

HON. CHARLES D. JACOB, mayor of the city of Louisville, was born June 1, 1838, and is a son of John I. and Lucy Donald (Robertson) Jacob, Kentuckians. His mother was a daughter of Commodore Richard Taylor, one of the naval heroes of the war for Independence. Mr. Jacob’s early education was obtained under the most favorable conditions. After a few years in the best home schools, he went to Cambridge to prepare himself for Harvard. Prof. Reginald H. Chase of that institution was engaged as his tutor, and during the year 1856-57 directed his studies. In the latter year, so diligent had been the work of both, Prof. Chase gave him a certificate which entitled him to admission to the junior class at Harvard, an institution whose standard of scholarship was then as now of the highest order. But here at the very threshold of college life he met with a severe disappointment. An attack of diphtheria compelled his return to Louisville. It was hoped that his illness meant only temporary suspension of his studies, but the physical prostration which supervened necessitated long rest and change of air; hence during the years 1857 and 1858 Mr. Jacob traveled in Europe, returning in September of the latter year in renewed health, and feeling that the advantages of foreign travel had in a great degree compensated him for the interruption to his college course. A few months after his return from abroad, and on the 12th day of January, 1859, Mr. Jacob married Miss Addie Martin, of Louisville. In 1800, and for eight years thereafter, his health was not good, and he was precluded from taking an active part in the affairs of the city, whose welfare he has always had at heart, and in whose history he has since held so prominent a place, In 1870 he was elected to the city council from the seventh ward, and was re-elected without opposition. He became a candidate for mayor in 1872 for the first time, was elected over several contestants, and was the youngest man who had ever before filled the high and important office. In 1875 a call signed by more than four thousand citizens was made on him to offer for re-election. Having scruples against succeeding himself, he at first declined becoming a candidate, but the pressure was so great he was finally compelled to make the canvass. Mr. John G. Baxter, a man of prominence, and a politician of great popularity, an ex-mayor of the city, and a most thorough organizer, was his opponent. After a strong and bitter canvass, Mr. Jacob was elected by nearly a thousand majority. Both Mr. Jacob and Mr. Baxter were Democrats, and their contest, at that time, has since been often cited as the most remarkable local struggle ever known in Louisville, and served to illustrate in a striking manner the influence of the two contestants over their respective factions. Entering upon the duties of his office for a second term, Mr. Jacob continued mayor until January, 1879, when a change in the city’s charter rendered him ineligible to re-election. In September of the succeeding year, by the advice of his physicians, he again went to Europe to recruit his health. In 1871 he accepted the presidency and general management of the Central Savings Bank, whose affairs were then considerably involved. But when he resigned the position, some two years later he had the satisfaction of seeing the bank restored to a sound financial basis. In 1881, responding to numerous citizens, he again became a candidate for mayor and was elected without opposition. Under the administration of President Cleveland he was appointed Minister Plenipotentary and Envoy Extraordinary to the United States of Colombia, but after holding the position about a year, resigned and returned home. He then accepted the presidency of the Southern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Louisville. In 1887 he was again elected mayor of Louisville, after a hot and spirited contest, over two of the prominent citizens of Louisville — Judge W. B. Hoke and Mr. Samuel L. Avery. The best comment on Mr. Jacob’s personal character may be found in the manner in which he has been trusted by his fellow-citizens. The tribute which the people of his native city have paid to his intelligence and honesty by electing him four times mayor, the first honor in their gift, needs no comment.