History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with
Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious,
Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons
and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co.,
Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 609, Deerfield Township
Joseph Mitchell, son of Matthew and Jane (Corbit)
Mitchell, was born in Indiana July 24, 1826; moved with his parents to
Montgomery county, Ill., in 1827, thence to this county in 1838; has
been Constable 8 years, School Director 18 years, and also Road
Commissioner; married Janette Pigsley Oct. 15, 1848, by whom he had 11
children, all living, the oldest 30 and the youngest 3 years of age;
four are in Iowa; Jennie was married to Luther Shaffer Sept. 27, 1877.
Mrs. M. is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. M. is engaged
in farming and stock-raising. P. O., Fiatt.
submitted by Glenene Brown
Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing
full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and
representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and
biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors
of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 614–615;
Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Joseph Mitchell. This gentleman is the son of a pioneer
settler of Deerfield Township, and has spent the greater part of his
life within its bounds. It can be justly said of him that he has
grown up with the country, and his life in a great measure corresponds
with the development that has gone on about him. He is now
pleasantly located on section 24, with such surroundings that he can
enjoy all the comforts of life in his declining years and mete out to
those around him a good share of his blessings. He is justly
proud of the condition of the country, and of his own connection
therewith, and all who are acquainted with this section, are ready to
bestow on him a share of the gratitude which belongs to those who have
worked long and faithfully here.
The subject of this sketch was born in Indiana, July 23, 1825,
and lost his mother in his earl childhood. He has therefore lost
the record of her birth. His father, Matthew Mitchell, was born
in Pennsylvania, and made a settlement in this county in 1837. He
chose a tract of land on section 25, Deerfield Township, which was the
home of our subject until after he had reached manhood, and where the
father died. He of whom we write acquired what education he could
in the district schools, and assisted his father in his labors,
remaining with him until 1850, when he set up a home of his own.
Immediately after his marriage Mr. Mitchell settled on a farm of
eighty acres on section 25, residing thereon until 1888, when he
removed one mile north to the location he now occupies, where he owns
one hundred and twenty acres. He has accumulated his estate by
dint of hard work and unflagging zeal, and while so doing has reared a
large family, who are devoting themselves to him in a measure seldom
witnessed, and cheer his declining years with their love.
The lady who has shared in the trials and successes of our subject
since 1850, was known in her maidenhood as Miss Jenette Pigsley.
She is the daughter of Welcome and Thirza (Clark) Pigsley. In her
own department she has manifested industry and efficiency, and her
children owe much to her counsel and devoted care. Together she
and her husband have labored for their good and the result proves the
wisdom of their management.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell consists of eleven sons and
daughters, of whom we note the following: Albert C., who married
Luella Brooks, now lives in Fremont, Iowa; Nancy is the wife of William
May, and their home is in Joshua Township; Jenny is married and lives
in Fremont, Iowa; Thirza M. is the wife of Frank Haskins, living in
Thomas County, Kan.; Charles F. married Fanny Hall, and their home is
in Fremont, Iowa; Washington married Nettie Bryte, and their home is in
Nebraska; Mathew resides on the old home place on section 25, where his
sisters, Bessie M. and Lulu make a home for him; Addie H. lives with
her sister, Nancy, in Joshua Township; Lois Adelle is still with her
parents.
Mr. Mitchell is a Republican, always voting the straight
ticket. He has been Pathmaster several terms, Constable five or
six yers, School Director twenty years, has also served as Road
Commissioner. He and his good wife are not only secure in the
love of their children, but are regarded with a high degree of respect
by their neighbors and acquaintances.
