ROBERT F. MITCHELL is one of the well-known Mitchell family of this county, who have been established here since 1842. Our subject first saw the light in that part of Centre County now known as Clinton County, Pa., his birth occurring June 11, 1824. His father is William Mitchell, Esq.

The early life of our subject was spent at his father’s home until he was eleven years of age, when he went out into the world, living among strangers until 1842. He then came with the rest of the family to Illinois, and lived with his mother for one year. Since that time he has looked out for himself, doing a general farming business. Mr. M. first purchased eighty acres of land in Lancaster Township, and lived on it until 1864, when he came to Dakota Township, and purchased 125 acres of land. He now has 120 acres, on which he has made his home. Pursuing the life of a farmer he has paid attention to his property, and has well improved it. He was married in Lancaster Township, in 1848, to Miss Zero Oak. She was born Dec. 31, 1831, in Bucks County, Pa., and is the daughter of George Oak, who was a musician and public school teacher of standing.

Her father, Mr. George Oak, married Miss Susanna Clevercy, who is now living in Rock City, in this county, and is past eighty-five years. Mr. Oak died in Lancaster Township, this county, in October, 1847. Mrs. Mitchell was reared at home, came West with her father and mother, and is the mother of seven children, two of whom are now deceased. Permilla resides at home; Reuben married Margaret Hayse, and resides in Dakota Township on a farm; Joseph is married to Elizabeth Stahl, and is living in Bennet, Lancaster Co., Neb., where he is a mechanic; Charles E. married Emily Smith, and also lives in Bennet, Neb., where he is a saddler; George W. is now living at home, but has been four years with the Eclipse Windmill Company, of Beloit, Wis. The deceased children are John L. and Andrew M.

Mr. Mitchell and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; politically he is a Republican. He is an honest, upright citizen, much esteemed in the community where he resides.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 355