The Columbus State University Archives and Special Collections is pleased to announce the acquisition of two new collections documenting the lives and careers of Harry C. Jackson and Tom B. Buck III, both natives of Columbus and prominent figures in Georgia politics. 

Harry Cook Jackson, born in Columbus on July 23, 1915, graduated from Columbus High School in 1934 and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University in 1938. Over the course of his adult life, in addition to service during World War II in the U.S. Army, he became an attorney, a civic leader, a presence in the local business community, and an elected official. His political career included tenure in the Georgia General Assembly as a senator from the 16th District (1961–1973), a term as Mayor of Columbus (1979–1982), and a bid in 1974 for Governor of Georgia. 

Much like Jackson, Thomas Bryant Buck III was a lifelong public servant. Born in Columbus on March 2, 1938, he graduated from Columbus High School in 1955 and went on to receive bachelor's and law degrees from Emory University in Atlanta. Buck was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1966 to fill the seat vacated by Representative Jack Brinkley. In all, Tom was elected to nineteen terms, serving thirty-eight years, one of the longest tenures of any lawmaker. 

Both collections include numerous scrapbooks, photographs, accolades, and other items documenting their careers as public servants. According to David Owings, head of Archives and Special Collections, both collections “include important materials documenting the life and career of these two men, so much of which impacted the development of Columbus. These materials will be essential for researchers interested in studying both local and statewide government.”

Those interested in the Harry C. Jackson or Tom B. Buck III collections can contact the CSU Archives and Special Collections for more information at (706) 507-8672.