Vernon Jackson

Vernon Jackson left an enviable legacy as a policeman, restaurateur and hotelier and as a chronicler of his family history in the book The Jackson Clan.

He was a policeman for 14 years, but quit the Force at age 40 because he was denied the opportunity to receive overseas training because of his race.

He and his wife Nina—twin sister of W.L.Tucker—then opened the Blue Jay Restaurant, which was one of Hamilton’s most popular eateries during the 1950s and 60s.  In 1962, they opened Sapphire Bay Cottage Colony on South Shore, which became a magnet for many visiting celebrities including Joe Louis and Dionne Warwick. 

During his retirement, Vernon Jackson discovered his talent for writing. He gave lively accounts of his life and career in newspaper columns and his book. He is a direct descendant of John Henry Thomas Jackson, the second black man elected to the House of Assembly.