John P. Mitchell, one of the progressive farmers of Ridott Township, is living on section 25, but owns lands on both sections 25 and 36. His possessions comprise 240 acres, all of which is under the plow and is exceedingly fertile land.

Mr. Mitchell was born in Geauga County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1853. His father, David Mitchell, was a native of New York State, and a farmer by occupation, having come to Geauga County in his boyhood. He was reared and married there, choosing as his wife Miss Amelia Smith. She was born and reared in the State of Ohio, having lived there until her marriage. After the birth of three children, the eldest of whom died in Ohio, the parents with their two remaining children, our subject being the younger, came to Illinois in the summer of 1854, and at once took up a Government claim on section 36, and which is still in the possession of Mr. J. P. Mitchell. This became their home until 1869, when they moved to Pecatonica, Ill., and are now living in that town. The father is now a Republican, having been converted from the Democracy.

The subject of this sketch was educated in Ridott Township and in Pecatonica, and was married in the latter place, Jan. 23, 1877, to Miss May Henderson, who was born in Boone County Oct. 23, 1854, and was reared and educated in Pecatonica Township, living with her father, Zina Henderson, until her marriage. She was unfortunate enough to lose both her parents. They came from New York State to Boone County, and afterward to Pecatonica Township, where they both died.

Mrs. Mitchell is the mother of two children, one of whom is dead. Robert D., born May 8, 1880, is at home with his parents. A little girl died unnamed. She was born July 19, 1878, and died Jan. 4, 1879. After his marriage Mr. Mitchell lived in Linn County, Iowa, thinking to earn his living there, but returned to Illinois at the expiration of three years and made the old homestead his place of residence. Mr. Mitchell is a man of good education, taking a thoughtful interest in public affairs. He is interested in the educational facilities of the township, and is a member of the School Board. In politics he is a solid Republican. A handsome lithographic view of Mr. Mitchell's residence is shown on another page.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 450