Nellie Mack, the (1st) wife of James
Baker Harrison, also descends from one of the prominent pioneer families
of Prairie Ronde, her grandparents were Abner and Maria (Munger) Mack.
Her father was Return Mack. Below is the biography of Abner Mack,
from the “History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan”, published in 1880, by
Everts and Abbott:
“This venerable pioneer was born in Montague, Mass., Aug. 9, 1795. He was the son of Abner and Irena (Wood) Mack, who had a family of five children, three boys and two girls. In 1800 the family removed to Bethel, Vt., and from there thence to Essex, Chittenden Co., Vt., where the elder Mack died in his eighty-second year. He was a farmer by occupation and served with credit in the war of the Revolution. When Abner, Jr., was seven years of age his mother died, and soon after he went to live with his paternal grandfather. He acquired, by his own individual efforts and energy, a limited education. Upon attaining his majority he emigrated to Ohio, where he purchased a farm, and where he resided sixteen years. In 1832 he came to Michigan, and purchased a farm in Porter, Van Buren Co. The location not proving a desirable one, he sold out the following year (1833), came to Prairie Ronde, and purchased the farm where he now resides.Abner and Maria (Munger) Mack Aug. 24, 1819, Mr. Mack married Miss Maria Munger, who was born in Cazenovia, Madison Co., N.Y., Nov. 26, 1799. They have reared a family of ten children, six of whom are living: Elizabeth, Sally, Emily R., Return, Olive A., and Diadema.
The life of Mr. Mack has been marked by sterling integrity, industry, and honorable dealing. He is an exemplar of a life well spent, and no one holds a more enviable position among the citizens of Prairie Ronde.”
Abner and Maria are both buried in Harrison Cemetery.
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