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Permanent LinkSenator Thomas Mitchell View All Years
HON. THOMAS MITCHELL died at his home, in Mitchellville, on the 15th of July, 1894. He was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, March 3, 1816. His father died when he was but 16 years of age, and being left without a home, he hired out as a farm laborer. His education was limited to very moderate attendance at the country district schools. He came West in the fall of 1839, working awhile upon a farm near St. Charles, Missouri. In March, 1840, he came to Iowa, stopping at Keosauqua, where he again went to work. During that year be bought a “claim” in Jefferson county. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Elmira Swift, of Thedford, Vermont. In 1844 Mr. Mitchell removed to Polk County, and built a log cabin near Camp Creek, in which he entertained travelers. This was the first house built in the county outside of Fort Des Moines. In 1846 he entered 1,080 acres of land, in what is now Beaver township. Mr. Mitchell was present when the treaty was made with the Indians occupying this part of the country, by which they sold their lands to the General Government. In 1846 he was elected Sheriff of the county. In 1857 he was elected Representative in the Legislature, serving in the first General Assembly in Des Moines, where the new capital had been established and a State House erected the year before. In 1867 Mr. Mitchell founded the town of Mitchellville, and as long as he lived no saloon was ever permitted to exist in that thriving village. In 1873 he was elected to the State Senate, serving four years. He was largely instrumental in procuring the establishment of the “Girls’ Industrial School” at Mitchellville. He was a prominent and influential member of the Universalist denomination during his whole mature life. Major E. H. Conger said of Thomas Mitchell that “for fifty years he had been the counselor of the leading men of the State. He had all this time a voice in the affairs of the State, for his advice was always sought. His influence over men was wonderful, and it was great because he never betrayed it. He gave to all good purposes; his life was one continuous charity, one continuous effort to do good. The poor were never sent away, and the weak never asked in vain from him.” Prof. C. C. Cory said of him: “Poor in lands and money, but in all other respects the richest man that ever died in Iowa. In all that makes true riches, he was most rich. He bore a good name and won the respect and love of his fellow-men.”