Mitchell - John - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

John Mitchell, a prominent citizen of Sugar Creek Township died Wednesday after an extended illness. He leaves a widow but no children. Mr. Mitchell was a gentleman highly esteemed in the community.

John Mitchell was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Jan 22, 1819. Hia father, William Mitchell, was born in Winchester, VA June 18, 1779, and at the age of 16 years he left the parental home and went into the Northwestern Territory. In 1808 he secured a position on a flatboat, in which he proceeded down the Ohio River to New Orleans, then up the Red River into Texas. Four four years he lived among the Indians, hunting and trapping; then in 1804 he returned to the States and, locating in Adams County, Ohio there formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah Myers, with w hom he was united in marriage on the 22nd of March 1810.

In 1815 the father of our subject moved from Adams to Champaign County, Ohio where he remained until 1836. Then, accompanied by his father he came to Montgomery County, Ind and purchased a section of land from the government. Here he spent the remaining years until his death which occurred April 3, 1839 at the age of 59 years, 9 months and 16 days. During the war of 1812 he enlisted in the service of the United States, and served faithfully until the close of the conflict. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in New Jersey Nov 13, 1785, and was the daughter of Joseph and Rachel Myers. In 1804 she accompanied her father's family to Adams County, Ohio, where she met and married Mr. Mitchell. After having become the mother of 7 children to whom she gave the most tender nurture and training, she passed away October 11, 1853.

The only surviving member of the family is the subject of this sketch.

In Sugar (sic) Township, Montgomery County, John Mitchell married Miss Mary, daughter of T. Rouch and Ellen Rice, and after their union the young couple settled in a log cabin on the site of their present residence. After having resided there for four years, Mr. Mitchell became contractor for the Vandalia route and was connected with that railway for two years. In 1849 he became associated with the Big Four in the same capacity. Subsequently he embarked in farming pursuits and took up his abode in the house where his mother had retired prior to her death. In 1872 he discontinued farming in order to give his attention to the grain business and had an elevator at Colfax, conducting an extensive and successful business as a wholesale dealer in grain for 14 years. In 1887 he returned to the old homestead.

In 1868 Mr. Mitchell erected a substantial residence, containg conveniently arranged rooms, a good cellar, the building being put up at a cost of about $5,000 bsides his own labor. All the timber used in the construction was cut on his farm. On a bitterly cold day, Jan 22, 1869 he and his family took possession of their home. Mr. Mitchell owned 150 acres of fine improved land, his property is well drained, he having put in over 2,000 rods of tile at a cost more than $1,200. 75 arres are planted in timothy and clover and 60 acres each to wheat and corn. A beautiful orchard y8ields a bountiful supply of choice fruit each year and everything about the place indicates the ability and thrift of the owner. In addition to general farming Mr. Mitchell also devoted considerable attention to stock raising.

During the War of the Rebellion Mr. Mitchell served as a member of the Home Guard and took part in the movement to drive Morgan, the bold rebel raider over the border, chasing him into Ohio. The Guards were under command of Milton B. Waugh. Mr. Mitchell was actively interested in politics, and used his influence in favor of the Republican party. He never held any office except that of Justice of the Peace, of which he was an incumbent for 20 years. Socially. he was identified with the religious movement of this section as a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church which he joined in 1841. His estimable wife is also an earnest worker in that denomination and teacher in the Sunday Shcool. Mr. Mitchell served as steward of the church 40 years, was a member of the choir, treasurer of the Sunday Shcool and generous contributor to every department of religious enterprise. -- transcribed by kbz