My Genealogy Hound

SOLOMON A. MITCHELL, one of the leading merchants of Derby, was born in the county of which he is now a resident February 7, 1847, being one in a family of four sons and four daughters of Solomon and Cassandra (Biddle) Mitchell, who were natives of Breckinridge County, Ky. Solomon Mitchell, Sr., was brought to this county when an infant, consequently he was among the first pioneers of this locality. He farmed in youth, but after marriage erected the first house in Derby and worked at the cooper’s trade in conjunction with farming. He died September 27, 1882, preceded by his wife March 12, 1873. The subject of this sketch received a common education, and until nineteen years old remained with his parents on the home place. He began teaching school at the above age, continuing the same eleven successive winters, including, also, a few summer terms. April 30, 1873, Susan, daughter of Harrison and Angelina Wilcoxson, became his wife and by him the mother of three children: J. A., Paul C. and I. M. In May, 1878, Mr. Mitchell began merchandising in Derby, and beginning with but limited means, has succeeded in building up a good trade and increasing his stock and improving his surroundings in various ways. Although a Republican in politics he is not radically so, preferring to vote for man and measure instead of adhering to party prejudices. He is of the Catholic faith and his wife is a Protestant.