The Forrest City times., 1902-07-04
PROF. JAMES MITCHELL
The Distinguished Editor Passes Awuy
After "A Lingering Illness.

Prof. James Mitchell, editor of the
Arkansas Democrat, died June 90,
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 8. 1898 in
washington county. Arkansas and was the sec
Ond SOU OF James and Mary A. Mitchell Ills
rather. native OF kentucky. was for the most
part reared in Indiana and moved to Arkansas
In 1927.
The boyhood aud 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 .le-
ments Of character essential to success FL
naneial misfortune overlook his parents in his
Doyhood. lie was educated In the common
schools OF his neighborhood and at Cane Hill
toiege the Oldest chartered institution OF learn
ing In the state. At the age of 10 he taught
his first school and continued teaching and at
tending school by turns. until be was % years
old In 1855 he entered the service of the
United states as deputy surveyor. and
employed In the survey OF kensas and Nebras-
ka until 1853. when he returned to Arkansas
and again taught school In 1860 he elect
ed to the legislature. At che breaking out of
the civil war he enlisted private In the Con-
federate army In May. 1861. continuing In the
military service until June. 1855. when he
rendered Is captain with Gen. Cabell. at Cor
slcana, Tex. He remained In Texas year
teaching school. In 1865 he returned home,
and engaged In farming and teaching. At the
rcorganization OF Cane Hill college, In 1868,
ne was made professor and held the post for
six years. In 1874 he elected to the chair
OF English liteslture in the Arkansas Agri-
cultural and Industrial University at Fayette-
VILE Ark, which chair he filled for two years.
In 1876 he rendered the position OF editor
in-chief OF the Arkansas Gazette, the leading
morning daily OF the state, and resigned his
professorship In the university to accept that
place. This necessitated his removal to Little
Rock.
In 1878 Prof. Mitchell severed his conn-c-
tion with the Gazette and with Gen. w. d.
Biocher purchased the Arkansas Democrat,
afternoon paper. year later Gen. Blocher
died, and Prof. Mitchell associated with him
self James r. Bettis. of St Louis who was his
business manager and partner for eleven years.
In 1890 the Arkansas Democrat Company
formed with Prof Mitchell rs president and
editor-in-chief 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 welded a wide influence in controll-
ing the tone Of public sentiment. He made IL
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
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
or others, and exercised a potent influence In
state policy. He was an ardent but conserva-
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 a credltable 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 Gov. James p. Eagle ole of the
worlds fair commissioners and was elected
president of the state board He always took
great interest In educational affairs and his
long experience In teaching equipped him for
great influence In educational councils. He
served Il member of the public school board
OF the city of Little Rock and for years held
II 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. A number of times his
name was prominently mentioned for guber-
Material honors but he always declined a can
didacy In May 1893, Prof. Mitchell ap-
pointed postmaster at Little Rock by President
Cleveland. 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 are
William s., treasurer and manager OF the Ar
kansas Democrat Company; Horace c. secre-
tary OF the Arkansas Democrat Company and
James. Jr. The daughters are Mrs John r.
Coates, Mrs. Ashley Cockrill and Miss Fannie
Mitchell. daughter. Miss Mamie. taken
by the grim reaper just she was budding
into most beautiful womanhood.
Prof Mitchell was a member OF the Masonic
fraternity and the knights of Pythias. He
possessed ability recognized among the lead
ing minds OF the southwest. and had a char
acter for honesty and integrity and a fidelity
to every trust reposed, which gained him a
business and social standing enjoyed In greater
measure by no man in Arkansas