Andrew Mitchell

MITCHELL, MCFARLAND, CARROLL

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 3/4/2011 at 20:15:13

Many of the influential residents of Armstrong are retired farmers and among this number is Andrew Mitchell, whose birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, June 1, 1861. He is a son of James and Susan (McFarland) Mitchell, natives of Scotland, who settled in Canada in `1854. After farming there for sixteen years the father removed with his family to Emmet County, Iowa, and homesteaded land in Armstrong Grove township, one mile south of Armstrong. For many years he was identified with the agricultural development of that section but at length retired and removed to Armstrong, where he lived until his demise in February, 1901. The mother died in September, 1898.

Andrew Mitchell received his education in the schools of Canada and of Emmet county, Iowa, and remained at home until he was 28 years old. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Armstrong Grove township and concentrated his energies upon the operation of that farm for many years, or until March, 1916, when he sold the place and took up his residence in Armstrong. He is there enjoying all the comforts of life.

On the 12th of December, 1888, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Carroll, a daughter of John and Mary A. (Dundas)Carroll, natives respectively of Ireland and of Canada. They became pioneer settlers of Kossuth county, where the father died February 13, 1879.and the mother in March 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of two children: Lila V., who was born in September, 1889, and is now the wife of George Beck of Armstrong; and Nellie M., born June 17, 1902.

Mr. Mitchell is a staunch democrat and has held a number of local offices, having been trustee, constable, and road superintendent while living on the farm. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America. The fact that he is enabled to live retired although still a comparatively young man is proof of the ability with which he managed his affairs while actively engaged in farming and with the high esteem in which he is held is evidence of the high moral standards which he has constantly followed in all relations of life.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, The Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1917.