New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1927-06-27
Death Claims New Britain Women
Identified With Philanthropies
Mrs. Charles E. Mitchell
Gave Generously to
Church and Missionary
Societies During Life.

Mrs. Charles Elliott Mitchell
passed quietly away at her home
1t 81 Russell street, today. Her
maiden name was Cornelia A.
Chamberlain. She was born at
Colebrook River. Conn. on Septem-
Der 20. 1912. Her father was
Abiram Chamberlain, and her
mother, Ruth Sophronia Burt. As
a girl, she attended school at Cole
brook River. and later in New
Britain. Her father removed to
this city in 1857. He was by pro-
fession a civil engineer, and planned
and supervised the building Of the
first New Britain water works and
the dam at Shuttle Meadow.
On December IS. 1856. Cornelia
Chamberlain became the bride of
Charles Elliott Mitchell in the First
Church Of Christ, Rev. Lavalette
Perrin. D. D.. then pastor of the
church, performing the ceremony.
Her husband practiced law in New
Britain for some years. his first part
ner In the business here being the
late Judge Frank L. Hungerford. AS
a lawyer. Mr.. Mitchell was nation
ally known and a leader Of the
patent bar. In 1889 he was ap-
pointed commissioner Of patents by
President Benjamin Harrison. For
two years or more, Mr.. and Mrs.
Mitchell lived at the Shoreham
Hotel In Washington, and during
that time Mrs. Mitchell made her
self known as woman Of rare tact
and spirit and a hostess Of distinc-
ton. Resigning his post in WASH
ington. her husband went to New
York and became senior partner in
the firm Of Mitchell, Bartlett and
Brownell. While in New York, Mr..
and Mrs. Mitchell lived at the Hotel
Beresford and associated themselves
with the Broadway Tabernacle
church, and Mrs. Mitchell took a
very active part In its life and mis-
sionary activities. She was always
a singer and lover Of church mu-
sic. and for some years served as
soprano soloist in the First Church
Of Christ in New Britain. both be-
fore and after her marriage. 1t was
this church, which she loved espe-
cially. and of this church she was a
most devoted and faithful member
for nearly 70 years, ever since
June 6. 1858.
~ f. O.
turned to New Britain to live. The
following year. Mr.. Mitchell was
made the president of the Stanley
Rule & Level Co., which position he
retained until the time OF his death
in 1911. Returning to her home
city. Mrs. Mitchell gave herself free
ly again to all its finer interests and
associations. In 1902, the Mitchells
built summer home at Sachem's
Head on the Sound. where she has
spent her sumers ever since. In
1906. they built the present spacious
home at s. Russell street.
During all these years, Mrs. Nit
chelrs interests were many and
varied. She was an organizer Of the
New Britain's Women's club and a
charter member Of Esther Stanley
chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution. Her religious experience
was rich and fruitful in good works.
Especially was she interested in the
work done by Congregational mis-
sionaries at home and across the
seas. Not only did she give freely
to the cause OF MISSIONS but in the
years Of her residence In New Brit
ain she was. the friend Of many local
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