Joseph was born in Peckham, England, to bootmaker Joseph Jackman, snr, and his first wife Lydia, who with their family emigrated to South Australia on the Warren Hastings, arriving in October 1855 and opened a bootmaker's shop on Rundle Street. Joseph moved to Kapunda, where he worked as carpenter and undertaker, also land agent and auctioneer. He married and had several children there, then around 1870 moved to Adelaide, where he opened a cafe in Rundle Street, perhaps at number 117, which was open for meals 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The business moved in 1871 to much larger premises, which for many years was a major function centre in the city. Situated at 48–50 King William Street, it incorporated a dance hall and banqueting room, as well as serving casual meals from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It was renamed Grand Cafe in 1911 or perhaps earlier, and around that time its management was taken over by his sons Jim and Arthur. The business was sold to Balfour's in 1917. "Jackman's Rooms" was the regular meeting-place of various organizations, including Adelaide Chess Club from 1884, Tarawera Bridge Club, Christian BrothersOld Collegians Association and S.A. Institute of Surveyors. Jackman's served ice cream in several flavours from 1880. His other businesses in the city were:
Jackman's Dining Room and Chop-House, 48 Rundle Street, in 1872, which was open for meals 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
117 Rundle Street 1879 in the newly built Kither's Buildings, last advertised 1882.
Jackman's Cafe 13 Hindley Street from 1902 to at least 1906
Jackman's Temperance Coffee Palace 211–213 Rundle Street opened in 1885, offering accommodation. It was renamed Jackman's Eastern Coffee Palace in 1886, stopped advertising 1888
Family
Joseph Jackman married Fanny Wheaton at Kapunda, later lived Payneham, died at Wattle Street Malvern. Their children included:
Arthur Joseph Jackman married Adela Mary Williams in 1900. He was co-manager of the Grand Cafe with brother Jim, and later licensee of the Pier Hotel, Glenelg, retiring in 1924. His son Frank Downer Jackman became Commissioner of Highways.
James Wheaton "Jim" Jackman was player with Norwood Football Club manager, Grand Cafe.
Frank Elliott Jackman electrician in WA
Clement Jackman married Lilian May Solomon in 1901 with GPO
Sydney Wheaton Jackman married Margaret Beatrice ??. He was architect with brother Herbert, inaugural captain of Glenelg Golf Club.
Royston Eric "Roy" Jackman married Mary Cramp in 1904. He was an engineer with Ritchie & Jackman, later founded Malleable Iron Company of South Australia.
Fred Jackman married Silver May Hunt in 1913. Served in the 11th Field Company Engineers, AIF, 1916. Occupation prior to joining up listed as Accountant.
