My Genealogy Hound

James C. Mitchell, one of the leading citizens and a prominent planter of Jefferson County, was born in that county December 25, 1846, and is a son of John B. and Mary (Dereuisseaux) Mitchell, of Arkansas. The father was a successful and well known planter, who died on the farm where his son now resides, in 1847, leaving his family in a more than comfortable condition, as far as wealth was concerned. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Catholic Church. The Mitchell family are of French descent, and among the oldest settlers in the State. After the father’s death his widow was married some years later to Mr. Frank D. Vallier, a native of Arkansas, whose death occurred in 1866, when forty-five years of age. He was also a Catholic in religion and a Democrat in politics. Some of his forefathers were in the War of 1812, and also fought in many battles against the Indians. The mother was born in 1817, and has resided in Jefferson County since 1839, making her home with James C., her son, for the past few years, and is a devout, Christian woman, and a member of the Catholic Church. Her first marriage resulted in the birth of six children, of whom James C. is the only one now living, and there were no children by her second marriage. James C. Mitchell was educated in the schools of his native place, and resided with his mother until the spring of 1864, when he left home to enlist in Capt. Frank G. Vaugine’s company of Col. Monroe’s regiment. He took part in Price’s raids, and fought in almost all of the battles during that memorable campaign. After the war was over he returned home and turned his attention to farming. He entered into the work with a will and determination to make a success out of it, and his efforts thus far have met with flattering results. He now owns about 320 acres of valuable land, and has placed 150 acres under cultivation, and raises some of the finest crops in his county. Mr. Mitchell has never yet met the lady who could win his heart, and has consequently remained a bachelor, but out of the many pairs of bright eyes that surround him, cupid may yet find a mark from which to send his shaft. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics a Democrat.