Rev. MOSES GRANT MITCHELL, only son of John and Emily (Gillin) Mitchell, was born at Piqua, Ohio, Aug. 9, 1812, and died at Abington, Wayne Co., Ind., Jan. 1st, 6 A.M., 1878. His ancestors were of Scotch origin, one line connecting him with Gen. O. M. Mitchell, the astronomer, and the other with Ex-President Grant. The thoughts of Mr. Mitchell were very early turned to the subject of religion, and at the age of thirteen he joined the M. E. Church. His parents died when he was about fourteen, and not long after, his two sisters, leaving him at an early age alone in the world—without father, mother, brother or sister. He attended school for a time at Dayton, Ohio, and was afterwards a student at Miami Univ., Oxford, O. He studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Samuel Mitchell of Indianapolis, Ind., but never received the degree of M.D., though he was for many years a practising physician. He was married Nov. 6, 1831, to Miss Ellen M. True, by whom he had twelve children, six sons and six daughters, ten of whom are still living. His son Charles was killed at Perryville, in the war of the Rebellion, and Henry died at home of disease contracted in the army. In early life Mr. Mitchell was licensed as a local preacher in the M. E. Church, but was not ordained. In 1841 he was ordained as a Free-will Baptist, and labored quite successfully in that connection for about ten years ; then, having so large a family to provide for, he found it necessary to devote his whole time to the practice of medicine, preaching only occasionally, and being again connected with the Methodists on account of the convenience of church privileges. In 1859, a change having taken place in his religious views —a change which was the result of many years of careful investigation—he united with the Universalist Church, and for the last fifteen years he has ardently advocated the blessed truths which filled his soul with the tenderest love f or all mankind. Mr. Mitchell was widely known throughout Indiana. He was settled at Oakland for ten years, and the growth and prosperity of that parish arc largely owing to his zealous and efficient ministry. He cherished the memory of that pastorate with peculiar tenderness to the close of his life, always speaking of it with the warmest interest. He was also settled over the churches at Devon and Dayton, and as a Missionary ancut was well known through the State. His declining health prevented his preaching much the last three years of his life, but the work of grace was steadily progressing in his own soul, and his faith in a glorious immortality grew brighter and stronger to the last. One who knew him very intimately says, " his closing years were full of tenderness." Mr. Mitchell was through life a close student and careful reader, and the extent and versatility of his knowledge were very great. His social qualities and kindness of heart were very marked, and wherever he was known he commanded esteem and affectionate reverence by the integrity and purity of his life. His death was from ossification of the heart, and occurred immediately after exchanging a New Year's greeting with his wife.
