Jackson McClintock
Jackson McClintock is a character featured in the Young Whit Book Series.
Jackson McClintock was a Scottish miner known for his role in preserving his family's history and for his connection to the mysterious journal passed down through generations. He was the grandfather of John Avery Whittaker and played a significant role in shaping his grandson’s understanding of their family’s legacy.
History
Life and Family
Jackson McClintock lived in Kinglassie, Scotland, where he worked in the mines. He was the father of Janneth Dee McClintock Whittaker and her brother David. Janneth died of smallpox when her son, Johnny (later known as Whit), was nearly five years old. His own death in a mining accident the following year deeply affected the family, ultimately prompting Johnny’s father, Harold Whittaker, to move the family to the United States in search of a new beginning.
The Trunk and the McClintock Legacy
One of Jackson McClintock’s most significant bequests to his grandson was an old trunk filled with family heirlooms, including a mysterious journal with entries written in multiple hands and various languages, including Latin. The journal had once belonged to Johnny’s great-grandfather, Thomas Avery McClintock, who died heroically while rescuing victims of a massive train wreck and fire.
Jackson was adamant that the trunk should go to Johnny rather than Harold, creating tension between father and son. His insistence on this inheritance was often accompanied by the cryptic phrase: "Neamhnaid fìor prìs ... beatha fhada"—a Gaelic saying whose meaning remained unknown to Johnny for years. The significance of this phrase, as well as the contents of the journal, became a central mystery in Johnny’s exploration of his family history.
Influence on John Avery Whittaker
Though Jackson McClintock passed away when Johnny was very young, his teachings and wisdom left a lasting impression. Johnny often recalled his grandfather’s lessons, including Jackson’s belief that most bullies were cowards and that standing up to them was essential. His legacy, particularly through the trunk and journal, continued to influence Johnny as he uncovered the deeper history of the McClintock family.