My Genealogy Hound

Robert H. Mitchell was born in Robertson County, Tenn., January 8, 1844, the third of four children born to Robert B. and Margaret C. (Linebaugh) Mitchell, and is of Scotch-Irish and German descent. The father was born in Kentucky January 5, 1798, and moved to Tennessee with his father when about twelve years of age. He received little or no schooling, but by his individual efforts in study made himself proficient as a scholar. He was a fine mathematician, and served as surveyor for many years. He lived successively in Robertson, Weakley and Obion Counties, Tenn., coming to the last county in 1849. He was magistrate of Robertson County for twelve years and was also postmaster at Mitchellville, and was a member of the Weakley County Agricultural Association, and received the premium on agricultural essay in 1860. His farm took the premium for best cultivation the same year. He owned the first portable thresher in either Robertson or Weakley Counties, and also the first steam-mill in the latter county. He operated a distillery for nearly thirty years in Robertson County, and in connection with this, a water flouring-mill. During the latter part of his life he gave up distilling and became an active and liberal church worker. His wife was born in Russellville, Ky., December 23, 1815 and died in Robertson County, Tenn., April 15, 1846. Our subject was educated in the common schools and in Andrew College, Trenton, Tenn. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at the age of eighteen, joining Company H, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. afterward Gen. W. H. Jackson. He served during the entire war, and was in thirty-three engagements. He was wounded at Sulphur Springs, Ala., and took the oath of allegiance at Paducah, Ky., under the terms of the general surrender. November 23, 1865, he wedded Margaret O. Major, daughter of Rev. J. M. Major. To them were born four children: Maggie J., Bertie E., Lizzie H. and Ophelia Major, born October 11, 1866; August 3, 1868; December 27, 1869, and January 11, 1872, respectively. Maggie J., died October 14, 1884. She was a pupil in the M. C. F. Institute at Jackson, Tenn., and but for her death would have graduated the following June. She was a fine musician. Bertie E. has lately graduated from the Wesleyan Female Institute at Staunton, Va. She shows great proficiency in oil painting, and many specimens of her work hang in the family parlors. Lizzie H. is attending the same school as Miss Bertie. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Graves County, Ky., July 18, 1844. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat and belongs to the K. of H. He owns 647 acres of land, on which is erected a commodious and beautiful residence. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are among the prominent families of the county.