Mack - James Bernton - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

James Brenton MACK is one of the pioneer settlers of Montgomery County and a citizen whom Crawfordsville is glad to number as her own. For the greater part of his life he has been a farmer, but retired from active work in 1881, leaving his son Charles in charge of the fine old place. He still gives it much of his attention, however and has not outgrown his interest in the business which is one of the most reliable and independent that man can engage in. Mr. Mack was born Dec 8, 1819 in Hamilton County, Ohio 16 miles North of Cincinnati. His father was Erastus Mack, a native of Connecticut who came to Ohio about the year 1802 at the age of 12. His mother, Martha BRENTON Mack, was born in Kentucky. and came to Ohio when she was 7. Both parents lived and died in Ohio, the father at the age of 56, mother when she had reached 17 years more than the allotted 3 scores and 10. James was the 3rd of 10, seven of whom lived to maturity and 5 still left. He is the only representative of the family in Montgomery County. One brother, William is an attorney at Terre Haute and ex circuit judge of that district; Alexander in Chicago; Joseph in Norfolk, VA; Elizabeth Husort in Terre Haute. Mr. Mack grew up on the Ohio and remained there until 26. Dec 14, 1843, he took for his wife Miss Sarah Jane ROGERS of Butler Co and a year and a half after that they moved to Montgomery County, Ind and located 4 Mi. SE of Crawfordsville, getting an 80 acre tract of party improved land and soon after adding another 80. They had moved to the farm in 1845; in 1852 sold this and moved to a tract of 220 acres one mile distance where they lived until May 1881. Mr. Mack's business was that of mixed farming, and he carried it on very successfully; but Mrs. Mack's health being poor, it was thought that the care was too much for her and that a change might prove beneficial, so they moved to Crawfordsville. Their homes proved unwarranted for the beloved wife passed away Aug 29, 1888, only 7 years after the change had been made. She was 68 having been born Jan 4, 1822. Her birthplace was in Butler Co, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mack's family consisted of Martha C, who is now Mrs. Charles EDWARDS living near Wesley, Montgomery County, her husband being a farmer; Isabel l, who is now Mrs. David MARTIN, of Crawfordsville, her husband being a farmer and dairyman; Mary A., the wife of Archibald MARTIN of the firm of Tinsley & Martin hardware; Charlie E, who lives on his father's farm and has a milk dairy; Lena, still unmarried and the housekeeper at home. Charlie E. married Ida EDWARDs. There are 20 grandchildren and five greats. Mr. Mack's home is at 614 E. College St. Mr. Mack was one of the 9 voters that voted the Abolition ticket in Union Twp in 1848; he is the only living one of the 9 at this time. Mr. Mack has never been an active politician. He has led a quiet upright life and by strict integrity natural ability, clear insight and attention to business, he has won a competence for himself and a place in the respect and confidence of all who know him. Such lives often exert an influence as powerful as it is undemonstrative. - typed by kbz

James B. Mack, farmer and stock-raiser, Crawfordsville, was born in Butler county, Ohio, December 8, 1819, and is the son of Erastus and Martha Mack.  Mr. Mack's grandfather was a drum-major in the revolutionary war.  His father, who was a farmer, was in the War of 1812, and was a whig, and died in 1846.

The subject of this sketch had such advantages of education as the common school of his day afforded.  He came to this county in 1845, and began farming for himself.  Mr. Mack has been very successful as a farmer. He has not confined his farming to any one branch, but has raised grain, cattle, hogs and sheep.

He settled on his present place in 1852. He has a well improved farm of 220 acres, on which he has a good orchard, a nice two-story dwelling house and a large new barn.  His old barn was burned June 9, 1880. His residence is about four miles from Crawfordsville, on the Whitesville gravel road, and is one of the prettiest places on the road.  Mr. Mack was married in December, 1843, to Miss Sarah J. Rogers. She was born in 1822.

The children by this union have been five: Martha C., married to Charles Edwards ; Isabel L., married to David H. Martin ; Mary A., married to Arch. Martin ; Charles and Lena. Mr. and Mrs. Mack are liberal in their religious views. Mr. Mack was formerly a whig, but is now a strong adherent to the principles of the republican party.  He voted first for Henry Clay, in 1844. Mr. Mack is an intelligent and respected citizen. - typed by kbz