David Jacks (businessman)

David Jacks
David Jacks, c. 1880s
Born
David Jack

(1822-04-18)April 18, 1822
DiedJanuary 11, 1909(1909-01-11) (aged 86)
NationalityScottish, American
Occupation(s)Land speculator, developer, businessman, university trustee
Known forMonterey Jack cheese
SpouseMaria Cristina Soledad Romie
Children
  • Jane
  • Louise L.
  • William
  • Mary R.
  • Margarete A.
  • Romie C.
  • Vida G.

David Jacks (18 April 1822 11 January 1909) was a powerful Californian landowner, developer, and businessman. Born in Scotland, he emigrated to California during the 1849 Gold Rush, and soon acquired several thousand acres in and around Monterey, shaping the history of Monterey County in the first decades of American possession. He is also credited as being the first to market and popularize Monterey Jack cheese. He was born David Jack, but took to spelling his last name "Jacks" once in California.