J. C. MITCHELL

    The Mitchell family are largely represented in Union County, the descendants of whom were of Pennsylvania stock.  The grand parent, Samuel, with a colony of four families, was the first to found a settlement on the Darby in this county, in 1799, where they raised families and died.  David Mitchell, the father of our subject, was born in York County, Penn., April 30, 1760, and was one of four children, who passed a portion of their lives in this county, where he died January 28, 1826.  His first wife, Miss Hannah Black, was born in August 1764, and died September 20, 1823, and were the parents of thirteen children.  His second marriage was to Miss Rebecca Nelson, February 26, 1824.  She died October 9, 1824.  He returned to his native place in Pennsylvania, where he was again married October 6, 1825, to Miss Hannah, daughter of John Caldwell, of York County, Penn.  David Mitchell served as Justice of the Peace all his life, and married thirty-two couple in Union County.  He was one of the first Associate Judges of the county, and for years an Elder of the Presbyterian Church.  His counsel was sought in all public affairs; he was a father to the poor, and in death left an honored and cherished name.  The subject of this sketch is the only living representative of this family, and was born in Darby Township, in 1826.  He was married August 26, 1852, to Miss Nancy J., a daughter of Samuel McCullough.  This union has been blessed with six children, four of whom are living, viz.: Lucinda A., wife of William Markly; Emma J., wife of J. B Galloway, who reside on the homestead; Samuel M. and David A.  Mr. M. has always lived a quiet, unostentatious life on the homestead, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.  In 1876, after a visit to the centennial at Philadelphia, Penn, he gradually lost his eyesight, and became totally blind; yet he is of sound health, and his keen sense of bearing, combined with qualities of the head and heart, make him a pleasing companion.  He numbers among those of the oldest born settlers of the county.