Samuel C. Jackson
Cite this Page
"Samuel C. Jackson," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/647.
- Positions
- Messenger
- Attendant
- Doorkeeper
- Custodian
- Years in President's House
- 1909 – 1951
- Legal Status
- Free Person
- Gender
- Male
- Race/Ethnicity
- Black or African American
- Biography
- Samuel Jackson, born in Virginia around 1878, joined the White House staff when William Howard Taft was Inaugurated in 1909 as part of the Federal Public Buildings and Grounds Service.2 He embarked on a forty-two year White House career spanning several roles, including doorman, messenger, and custodian, “helping White House visitors, including commoners and royalty, with the same courteous treatment.” His son, Arthur, also worked as a doorman on staff.2 In 1950, Harry S. Truman presented Jackson with an autographed dollar bill in recognition of forty-one years of service. He retired the following year.3 Jackson died in 1964.4
- Samuel Jackson in 1920 Federal Census, Year: 1920; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: T625_210; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 182, Ancestry.com.
- “Mr. Jackson Says Goodbye,” New York Times, January 3, 1951, pg. 18; “Harry Hails,” The Afro-American, April 8, 1950, pg. 20; “Quits White House Job,” Kansas City Times, January 3, 1951, pg. 9.; Arthur Washington Jackson in the U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For District of Columbia, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 115, Ancestry.com.
- “Quits White House Job,” Kansas City Times, January 3, 1951, pg. 9.
- “Died,” Jet, January 23, 1964, pg. 50.
- Birthplace
- Virginia, USA
- Unclear from Context
- Related Worker
- Arthur W. JacksonKitchen, Dining Room, Pantry, and Storeroom, Ushers, Stewards, and Doorkeepers, circa 1939 – 1940