[p. 936] a representative citizen of Pulaski Township and a veteran of the Civil War resides on his well cultivated farm of 100 acres, enjoying the comforts which his willing hands and excellent judgment have provided. He was born in Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in March, 1843, and is a son of Samuel and Isabella (Foreman) Mitchell.
Samuel Mitchell was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and died in Pulaski Township in 1885. His father was John Mitchell. Samuel Mitchell came to Pulaski Township in early manhood and was the builder of Lock No. 1 and Lock No. 2 on the old Erie Extension Canal, which is no longer in use. Later he settled down to farming and became a substantial and valued citizen. He married Isabella Foreman, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and of their children the following survive: Elizabeth, who is the wife of O. Byers, and resides at Cleveland, Ohio; Sarah J., who is the widow of J. S. Randall, and resides at San Francisco; Caroline, who lives at Cleveland; John F., subject of this sketch; Winfield S., who resides at New Castle, and Frances A., who is the wife of Clark Brezee, and resides at Syracuse, N. Y. At different times Samuel Mitchell held township offices, performing the duties of the same honestly and with due regard to the public welfare. In his political views he was a Republican.
John F. Mitchell grew to manhood in his father's comfortable home and planned a life of agricultural independence. However, in the second year of the Civil War, in July, 1862, he enlisted for service in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and from then on until June, 1865, the farmer boy was a hardy and capable soldier, daring danger and bravely fighting his country's battles. Mr. Mitchell saw a great deal of hard service, beginning with the second battle of Bull Run. He participated in the battles of Antietam, of South Mountain, and of Fredericksburg, after which he was transferred to the United States Navy, and was detailed to the battleship Mound City and took part in all the Red River campaign. More fortunate than many of his comrades, he escaped all serious injury and returned practically unharmed to his home in Pulaski Township, where he has remained ever since. He carries on general farming and stock raising.
On August 24, 1864, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Mary V. McConahy, who is a daughter of Rev. John McConahy, late of Pulaski Township. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have three children: Cora B., who is the wife of Joseph I. Taylor of New Castle; William F., who resides at home, and Edward M., who resides at Mahoningtown, being an engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
In politics, Mr. Mitchell is a Republican. He is a good citizen, ever being ready to do his full share in promoting the general welfare. He is a valued member of Grand Army of the Republic, Post 100, at New Castle.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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