Springfield-Greene
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ROWAN E. M. MACK. Another of the successful business men of Springfield who is a native of Greene county, where he has been content to spend his life, is Rowan E. M. Mack, well known groceryman. Much of his active life has been spent in agricultural pursuits, alternated with the grocery business, and in each he has made a pronounced success, owing to his willingness to closely apply himself to his affairs, lead an honest life and depend upon himself rather than waiting for others to assist him or for fate, to provide for him.
Mr. Mack was born in this county, May 11, 1865. He is a son of William L. and Armenta (Dew) Mack. The father was born in Tennessee in 1832, and the mother's birth occurred in that state in 1836. They were brought to Greene county, Missouri,-by their parents in the early forties and here they grew up, attended school and were married. William L. Mack was by nature a fine penman and was a well read man for his day and generation and was influential in his community. His earlier life was devoted to farming and stock raising, but he quit the farm upon being appointed deputy sheriff under Jack Potter, and removed his family to Springfield. Later he served as deputy under Probate Judge W. A. Lincoln for a period of eight years. He gave entire satisfaction in both these positions. He was always a strong Republican in his political affiliations. His family consisted of six children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Maude E. is deceased; Iona is deceased; Rowan E. M., of this sketch; Caddy S., Edward W. and Lilly.
Rowan E. M. Mack is an excellent example of a self-made man. He received only about six months' schooling, but he has made up for this lack of early training by wide home study, and is now a well informed man. He assisted his father with the general work on the farm when he was a boy, being eighteen years old when he removed to Springfield. Here he worked in various stores, in each of which he sought to learn something of what was going on about him, so when he was only twenty years of age he was enabled to launch out in the grocery business for himself, in a location at the corner of South and Walnut streets. However, after five years in this line he decided to return to farming, and for five years tilled the soil near this city, then came back to Springfield and engaged in the grocery business five years, after which he engaged in farming again for four years. On February 28, 1904, he opened a grocery store at his present location, corner of High and Grant streets, and the fact that he has remained here ten years indicates that he has been successful and has enjoyed a good trade all the while. He has a well arranged and neat store and carries a large stock.of staple and fancy groceries, also a large line of feed.
Mr. Mack was married on July 24, 1890, in Springfield, to Norma E. Dutton, a daughter of H. J. and Louise (Brinsdon) Dutton. She was born in Cedar county, Missouri, June 22,1871. Her father was one of the early-day merchants in Springfield.
Seven children, all living, have been born to Mr. And Mrs Mack, namely: Lester H., born June 29, 1891,married on February 28, 1914, to Leone A. Parnitter; Lundy A., born December 9, 1892; Harvey R., born September 31, 1895; Carl R., born June 30, 1898; Edith I., born September 20, 1901. Elva M., born February 1, 1904, and Ernest T., born November 4, 1906.
Mr. Mack owns his store building and also a comfortable and substantial home nearby. He also owns three farms, two of which are located in Polk county, the other in Greene. His farms in Polk county consist of three hundred and twenty acres, which he is maintaining as stock farms.
Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, the Modern Brotherhood and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He and his wife are members of Woodland Heights Presbyterian church.
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