My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical Record of Oakland County, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1903.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

James S. Mitchell, the present supervisor of Holly township, Oakland County, has won wide recognition as one of the county’s most enterprising citizens. He is a leading representative of the farming element of this district, and has always taken an active part in all public movements and enterprises. He was born on the farm on which he now lives, situated in section 9, Holly township, and is a son of David and Adeline (Marsh) Mitchell, and a grandson of George Mitchell.

George Mitchell, who was a native of the north of Ireland, came to America in 1822, first locating in New York City, where he conducted a small store for a few years, and then removing to a place situated about 50 miles north of New York City, where he remained until 1835. In that year he came to Michigan, locating in Independence township, Oakland County, and later taking land in Holly township from speculators, paying about $4 per acre. He entered zealously into the work of clearing and farming his land, and at his death in 1857 left a well improved farm to his heirs.

David Mitchell was born in Independence township, Oakland County, in 1836, and at the age of one year moved with the family to Holly township, and has continued to be a resident of Holly township ever since, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a Democrat in politics and has served as commissioner. He was married to Adeline Marsh, who was born in Groveland township, Oakland County, in 1842, and is a daughter of Elisha Marsh, who came to Michigan at an early date from New York. They have reared three children besides our subject, namely: Lewis J., who is a resident of Holly township; Margaret, who is the wife of John Haas, a prominent farmer of Holly township; and David W., who is married and lives on the homestead farm.

James S. Mitchell received a good education in his youth, stands in a high position among the capable and enterprising business men of his county and is a farmer of the first class. He was graduated from the State Agricultural College at Lansing, Michigan, in 1895, after a four years’ course. Our subject adheres to Democratic views in politics, and has for several years been prominently identified with the party locally; after serving for two years as commissioner, he was elected supervisor and is now serving in his third term. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Grange. His religious views are liberal. Mr. Mitchell has never married.

* * * *

This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Biographical Record of Oakland County, Michigan published in 1903. 

View additional Oakland County, Michigan family biographies here: Oakland County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Oakland County, Michigan here: Oakland County Michigan Map

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.