Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Captain William Mitchell

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William Mitchell.

Birth: 1825, Scotland.
Death: 1903, Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.


Date 1901.
Born in Kilmaynock,Scotland, came to America with family as a child and settled in Ohio. When he was 24 he sailed around Cape Horn to join the Calif. Gold Rush. In 1852 he sailed to Australia for three years worked in the gold fields., then went around the world, visiting his Scotland birthplace before he came home. He returned to Connecticut, just in time to join the Beacher Bible and Rifle Colony, that settled in Wabaunsee Co,KS in 1856. Often called a "natural leader of men" he played an important part in Wabaunsee life. He was active in the underground rail road, the left of his land 3 miles east of Wabaunsee. In 1868 he married Mary Chamberlin. They lived on a 320 acre farm. He also served as agent for the M.A.B. RR until 1895 when he moved back to the farm. In Wabaunsee he also operated an elevator and store. When the Prairie Gaurds Millitants Co was organized, he led his men to defence of Lawrence,KS. In 1868 he was elected to the State Legislature.

Wife: Mary A. Chamberlain Mitchell (1836 - 1915)

Children:
James E. Mitchell (1829 - 1910).
H. Raymond Mitchell (1872 - 1961).
William Izott Mitchell (1873 - 1953).
Maude Josephine Mitchell (1875 - 1957)

Burial: Wabaunsee Cemetery, Wabaunsee, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

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