JAMES W. MITCHELL - Early last Friday our townspeople learned of the death of Judge James W. Mitchell which occurred at 1:30 o'clock that morning at the Mitchell residence on Williams street. On Sunday night before his death on the following Friday morning he was stricken with congestion of the heart, but he seemed to be recovering from the effects of the attack, although still confined to his bed, where, the family physician told him, he must remain for several days longer. His relatives and friends believed him to be regaining his former state of health and the news of his death was a terrible shock, especially to his wife, who was alone in the house with him, and in whose arms he died. Nearby neighbors answered Mrs. Mitchell's call for help and two doctors were summoned but life was extinct and their efforts to revive him were fruitless. Mr. Mitchell's death came on the fiftieth birthday anniversary of his devoted companion. James W. Mitchell was born in Barry, Illinois, on September 16, 1849, and was a son of William and Lucinda Mitchell, the father a Baptist minister. The father died on the planes, during the gold rush, enroute to the gold fields. There was four children in the family, namely: W. T. Mitchell, Elizabeth Dyer, Mary Arnett and James M., he being the last member of the family. The family name of Mitchell has long figured prominently in public life in Barry township and Pike County and its representatives have ever been men of business reliability and of considerable prominence in local affairs. The mother of four children also died when James was quite young and he was raised by his older brother, W. T. Mitchell. The subject of this sketch went to Quincy and resided for awhile but returned to Barry in a short time and learned the carpenter trade with his brother, following that line of trade for several years.
Mr. Mitchell, a number of years ago, entered the insurance business and at the time of his demise represented fife different insurance companies in addition to being the secretary of the Pike County Mutual Life Association, in which capacity he had long served. Mr. Mitchell was also an ardent member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the I. O. O. F. lodges. He was a director of the Park Lawn Cemetery Association and a member and active worker of the Barry Methodist church, holding a place on the official aboard at the time of his passing away. He was a pioneer in the work of the I. O. O. F., having been a member of Barry Lodge No. 336, for a period of 52 years. Two years ago he was presented with a diamond badge, the jewel being awarded to all who are members of the organization for fifty consecutive years. Mr. Mitchell has also been secretary of the order for 37 years, and has also served in every office from the lowest to the highest. He was not only conversant with the noble work of the local order but the work and rulings of the Grand Lodge. The jewel was one of his most cherished possessions. Mr. Mitchell gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and for a number of years has served as committeeman and police magistrate. His allegiance to general welfare is a well known factor in his life and he brought to bear upon all matters of public concern earnest consideration and keen discrimination and when once his mind was made up concerning a course of action he stood by his principles and belief with unfaltering loyalty. Mr. Mitchell deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for starting out in life without practicalyy any capital, hea has won, through earnest purpose and unremitting diligence, considerable property, all which was to him a good source of income. He is survived by his wife, Olive M. Mitchell and the following children: W. O. Mitchell of Washington, D. C., Dorothy Uppinghouse, of Portland, Ore., Naomi Barnett, of Seattle, Wash., and Leo Mitchell of Seattle, Wash., by former marriages, Mrs. Leila Hays, a daughter, died several years ago. He also leaves a stepson, Howard Blair of Quincy, and to whom he displayed the affection and care of a father. There are also sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He regarded no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would benefit those depending upon. His good qualities won for him the respect of all with whom he was associated and in his business life he displayed integrity, close application and unwavering diligence. He was a man of strong mentality and marked force of character, well fitted for leadership. W. O. Mitchell, the son fromWashington, D. C., arrived in this city Sunday, but the other three children were unable to be here for the funeral. After several days in this city, Mr. Mitchell will return to his home. The funeral services were held from the Barry Methodist church on Monday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m. in charge of the pastor, Rev. C. W. Hamand. The I.O.O.F. conducted their funeral rites at the church and the Rebekahs attended the services in a body. A large outpouring of relatives and friends of the family filled the large auditorium to pay their last respects to this prominent citizen. There was a profusion of lovely floral pieces of all descriptions from members of the family, friends and various societies and organizations with which he was affiliated.
