The Monticellonian., 1902-07-04
PROF. JAMES MITCHELL
The Distinguished Editor Passes Awuy
 After Lingering Illness.

Prof. James Mitchell, editor of the Arkansas Democrat, died June 26, after an illness from kidney trouble of two months duration. Three days before death Col. Mitchell underwent an operation, but his strength had been so wasted that his life was only prolonged thereby.
 James Mitchell was born May s, lS33 in Washington county. Arkansas, and was the sec ond of James and Mary A. Mitchell. His father, native of Kentucky, for the most part reared in Indiana. and moved to Arkansas in 1927.
 The boyhood and youth of James Mitchell were spent on farm in the mountains of northwestern Arkansas, where in early life he learned that Industry and economy are ele ments of character essential to success. FL nancial misfortune overlook his parents in his boyhood. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood and at Cane Hill college the oldest chartered institution of learn ing in the state. At the age of l6 he taught his first school and continued teaching and at tending school by turns until he was 9 years old. In 1855 he entered the service of the United States as deputy surveyor. and was employed in the survey of Kansas and Nebras- ka until 1859. when he returned to Arkansas and again taught school In 1860 he was elect ed to the legislature. At the breaking out of the civil war he enlisted private in the Con federate army in May, 1861, continuing in the military service until June, 1865, when he sur rendered captain with Gen. Cabell at Cor sicana, Tex. He remained in Texas year, teaching school. In 1886 he returned home and engaged in farming and teaching. At the reorganization of Cane Hill college. in 1s6S he was made a professor and held the post for six years. In 1874 he was elected to the chair of English literature in the Arkansas Agri- cultural and Industrial University at Fayette- vile Ark. which chair he filled for two years In 1876 be rendered the position of editor in-chief of the Arkansas Gazette the leading nf he professorship in the university to accept that place. This necesatated his removal to Little Rock.
 In 1878 Prof Mitchell severed his connec- tion with the Gazette and with Gen. w. D. Blocher purchased the Arkansas Democrat. an afternoon paper. A year later Gen. Blocher died, and Prof Mitchell associated with him self James k. Bettis. of St. Louis, who was his business manager and partner for eleven years. h 1890 the Arkansas Democrat Company was formed, with Prof. Mitchell president and editor -chef. He continued at the head of the Democrat until about two months go, when his illness compelled him to take to his bed
 For over twenty years Prof. Mitchell stood at the head of journalism in Arkansas, and through his sagacity and editorial ability the Democrat wielded wide influence in controll- ing the tone of public sentiment. He made 1t factor in building up the material resources of the state, and inaugurated and led to sue cess many enterprises. both of state and local character. His pen, purse and influence were always ready to aid in every public enterprise and charitable undertaking of merit. Never seeking public office or political preferment for himself, he did much to advance the aspirations of others, and exercised potent influence in state policy He was an ardent but eonserva- tive democrat and adhered to the doctrine, ''the greatest good to the greatest number' as the basis of true republican institutions.
 Prof. Mitchell was one of the chief advocates for creditable exhibit of the resources of Ar kansas at the Columbian exposition and largely aided in securing private subscriptions and state appropriation for that purpose. He was appointed by James worlds fair commissioners and elected president of the state board He always took great interest in educational affairs and his long experience in teaching equipped hiH for great influence in educational councils. He served as member of the public school board of the city of Little Rock and for years held commission from the governor of the state as one of the trustees of the state university, where he rendered valuable aid in building up and establishing the institution which has be- come state pride. number of times his name prominently mentioned for guber- material honors but he always declined a ddacy. In May, 1893, Prof. Mitchell ap- pointed postmaster at Little Rock by President Gleveland which position he held until 1897, after which time he devoted himself to the edi- torial management of the Democrat
 In 1860 Prof. Mitchell married Miss Lizzie Latta, by whom he is survived, along with three sons and three daughters. His sons William S., treasurer and manager of the Ar kansas Democrat Company; Horace C., tary of the Arkansas Democrat Company, and Coates, Mrs. Ashley Cockrill and Miss Fannie Mitchell. A daughter, Miss Mamie, taken by the grim reaper just she budding into most beautiful womanhood.
 Prof. Mitchell was member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. He possessed an ability recognized among the lead ing minds of the southwest, and had char acter for honesty and integrity and fidelity to every trust reposed. which gained him business and social standing enjoyed in greater measure by In Arkansas.