William H. Mack, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Ashmore; was born in Kentucky April 11, 1828, and came to Illinois when he was 5 years old, with the family of his father, William Mack; after spending one winter in Coles Co., his father settled in Clark Co., where he died about eight years ago; Mr. Mack lived in Clark Co. until he became of age, and then came to Coles Co.; he began life by working out by the month, and, after accumulating some money, he purchased 120 acres of land, on which he settled in the fall of 1853; he now owns 790 acres in his home farm, and 100 acres in Clark Co.; his farm is one of the best in the county, is well fenced, under good cultivation, and improved with a fine two-story dwelling, barns, outbuildings, etc., costing not less than $6,000; his residence occupies a beautiful eminence, and from it can be plainly seen the village of Kansas, in Ed- gar Co., while the church-spires of Westfield, in Clark Co., and of Ashmore, in Coles Co., are visible. Mr. Mack has given considerable attention to the raising of stock, keeping from 50 to 150 head of cattle; having no leisure nor inclination for official life, he has never sought nor held public office, but has devoted himself exclusively to the management of his large farm. He was married Dec. 19, 1850, to Miss Elvira Anderson, a daughter of Robert Anderson, one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; she was born in that county Feb. 25, 1832, and removed with her parents to Coles Co. when about 8 years old; they have five children – Joseph A., William A., Catherine P., Oscar A. and Charles A.
