James Caleb Jackson

James Caleb Jackson (March 28, 1811 - 1895) was the inventor of the first dry, whole grain breakfast cereal which he called granula. Jackson was born in Manlius, Onondaga County, New York. After completing his education at Chittenango polytechnic institute, he worked as a farmer until 1838. During his early life, Jackson was active as an abolitionist. He lectured for the Massachusetts anti-slavery society, becoming the society's secretary in 1840... more

James Caleb Jackson (March 28, 1811 - 1895) was the inventor of the first dry, whole grain breakfast cereal which he called granula. Jackson was born in Manlius, Onondaga County, New York. After completing his education at Chittenango polytechnic institute, he worked as a farmer until 1838. During his early life, Jackson was active as an abolitionist. He lectured for the Massachusetts anti-slavery society, becoming the society's secretary in 1840. From 1844 he moved into journalism, buying the abolitionist newspaper, the Albany Patriot, together with Abel Brown. Jackson continued to manage and write for the paper until 1847 when failing health forced him to retire. Jackson had been troubled with ill health throughout his life, but saw a remarkable recovery after taking a 'water cure' at a spa. As a result he spent the second half of his life as an advocate for hydropathy, training to become a doctor and opening a hydropathic institute on the Skaneateles lake, Cortland County, New York... less