James Caleb Jackson, an American nutritionist, invented the first dry, whole-grain breakfast cereal, named Granula. His innovative health perspectives shaped the health reforms advocated by Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and Ellen G. White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Early Life and Education
James Caleb Jackson was born in Manlius, New York, on March 28, 1811, to Dr. James Jackson (1778-1829) and Mary Ann Elderkin (1771-1858). His father was a renowned physician and surgeon, and his family had a rich heritage of patriotism and service.
His grandfather, Colonel Giles Jackson (1733-1810), was a notable figure in the American Revolution, participating in several key battles. He was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and the Battle of White Plains in 1776. He also fought at Monmouth in 1778, where he received commendation for his brave stand.
James’s mother, Mary Ann, was a descendant of Colonel Jedidiah Elderkin (1718-1793), a man known for his patriotism and military service during the American Revolution.
From a young age, James was a diligent student, mastering Latin and Greek by the age of twelve. He completed his formal education at the Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
James’s parents had different hopes for his future; his father wanted him to pursue a career in medicine, while his mother hoped he would become a missionary. However, James forged his own path, marrying Lucretia Edgerton Brewster (1812-1890) when he was nineteen.
Lucretia was a woman of deep Christian faith and a descendant of Elder William Brewster (c. 1566/67-1644), a Mayflower colonist. The couple spent the early years of their marriage on a farm in the town of Mexico, New York.
In his younger years, James Caleb Jackson was a major advocate for change. He passionately supported abolition and temperance, gaining recognition as a speaker and editor. He used his platform at the Albany Patriot to rally against slavery and even associated with notable abolitionists like Gerrit Smith.
The Jackson Sanatorium
Battling persistent health issues, James embraced hydropathy and experienced a remarkable recovery under the supervision of Dr. Silas O. Gleason. This pivotal experience fueled his passion for medicine, prompting him to earn his medical degree from the Medical College in Syracuse, New York, in 1850. Subsequently, in 1858, he established the Jackson Sanatorium in Dansville, New York, which evolved into a symbol of health reform and holistic wellness.
The Jackson Sanatorium, also referred to as “Our Home on the Hillside,” gained recognition as one of the world’s premier spas, drawing approximately 20,000 patients. James, with his wife and adopted daughter, Dr. Harriet Newell Austin, developed innovative treatments centered around water cures, diet, and the influence of mental and moral well-being. The institution transformed into a family legacy, with subsequent generations enhancing its stature and reputation.
James’s holistic approach to health underscored the significance of consuming unprocessed foods and adhering to vegetarianism while avoiding stimulants. He advocated for the healing power of a balanced diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain and regain health. His groundbreaking dietary philosophies resonated with distinguished figures such as Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and Ellen G. White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The Invention of Granula
In 1863, James Caleb Jackson created Granula, the first-ever manufactured breakfast cereal. Granula was produced from graham flour dough that was rolled, baked, and broken into pieces. These pieces underwent a second baking and were broken down into smaller, edible chunks. Although Granula required soaking in milk for at least 20 minutes to soften, it gained popularity due to its whole grain health benefits and its convenience compared to traditional cooked cereals.
Granula sparked more innovations in breakfast cereals. After visiting the Jackson Sanatorium, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg made his own version of Granula. This caused a legal dispute with Jackson, and Kellogg had to rename his product Granola. The development of cereal continued with Charles William Post, one of Kellogg’s patients, who created Grape-Nuts. So, next time you’re in the cereal aisle, think of James Caleb Jackson. We have him to thank for the wide variety of cereals available today!
Literary Contributions
James was also a prolific writer, authoring several publications emphasizing health and wellness. His notable works include:
- Morning Watches (1822): An early work focusing on reflections and meditations.
- Hints on the Reproductive Organs: Their Diseases, Causes, and Cure on Hydropathic Principles (1853): A medical guide addressing reproductive health issues and their hydropathic treatments.
- Consumption: How to Prevent It, and How to Cure It (1862): A comprehensive exploration of preventive and curative measures for consumption.
- The Sexual Organism, and Its Healthful Management (1862): A work discussing the healthy management of sexual organs.
- Dancing: Its Evils and Its Benefits (1863): A balanced examination of the pros and cons of dancing.
- American Womanhood: Its Peculiarities and Necessities (1870): A detailed study on the unique aspects and needs of American women.
- How to Treat the Sick Without Medicine (1871): A guide on alternative treatments without relying on medication.
- The Training of Children (1872): A parenting guide focusing on child upbringing and development.
- The Debilities of Our Boys (1872): A work addressing the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of boys.
- Christ as a Physician (1875): A theological exploration of Christ’s role as a healer.
- Tobacco and Its Effect upon the Health and Character of Those Who Use It (1879): A critical analysis of the impact of tobacco on health and character.
Final Years and Legacy
James Caleb Jackson continued to contribute to health reforms, writing extensively and maintaining active engagement in political and social movements until his death on July 11, 1895.
The Jackson Sanatorium declared bankruptcy in 1914, but James’s legacy lives on, immortalized in the widespread adoption of breakfast cereals and his enduring contributions to health and wellness.
James’s children included Giles Elderkin Jackson (1836-1864); Mary Elizabeth Jackson (1839-1844); and James Hathaway Jackson (1841–1928).
Recommended Reading:
- “The Jackson Sanatorium.” Jackson Sanatorium, 1890, Dansville, NY.
- “Who Made That Granola?” New York Times, 23 Mar. 2012 [Subscription Required].
- Katz, Brigit. “The First Breakfast Cereal, Granula, Had to Be Soaked Before It Could Be Eaten.” Smithsonian Magazine.
- “James C. Jackson.” Dansville Area Historical Society.
