Kentucky: A History of the State, Perrin, Battle, Kniffin, 8th ed., 1888,
Jefferson Co.

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
1860, 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 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.

Jacob Taylor Robertson Chase Martin Baxter Avery Hoke
=
Europe

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/jefferson/jacob.cd.txt