Thomas married Eliza LININGTON , daughter of Thomas and Ann nee Mew Linington, on 10 Jul 1821 at St. Mary's, Portsea, Hampshire Co. England. (LDS M062613). She was born on 12 Jul 1798 on the Isle Of Wight, England. (Census entries and her obit consistently refer to her as being born ca. 1798, exact date of birth calculated from her obituary.) She was baptized on 26 Dec 1798 at Newport, Isle of Wight, England. She died on 8 Oct 1862 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. Here is a photograph of Thomas and Eliza nee Linnington MITCHELL.
"I. Thomas Mitchell born in London 1792 married Liza Linnington born in London 1795"(Entry from the Thomas Bible)
Thomas and Eliza lived in the vicinity of Portsmouth, Hampshire, England until at least 17 Apr 1836, as indicated by christening records of multiple children. They then migrated to Ingorville, France (near Le Havre) as indicated by christening records for two of their children.
Thomas and his family migrated from Le Havre, France to New York, New York, United States of America on 5 Aug 1848 aboard the ship Albany (Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1820-1897 Year 1848, M237-74; Line 7, list no 859, Page no. 4.). Thomas "Mitschell" [sic] (49 yrs old) is accompanied by his wife Eliza (49 yrs old), daughter Caroline (22 yrs old), daughter Eliza (16 yrs old), son William (14 yrs old), son Charles (12 yrs old), son Henry (8 years old) and daughter Blanche (6 months old). All passengers on the ship are identified as farmers from Bavaria who intend to reside in Michigan.
Thomas and his family appear in the 1850 census for King County in New York City, which was taken in July 1950.
CENSUS RECORDS: 1850- Thomas Mitchell (50 years old, Hat presser born in England), his wife Eliza (52, born in England), and children Caroline (23, born in England), Eliza (18, born in England), Wm. (16, "Paper boy man", born in England), Charles (14, born in England), Henry (12, born in France), Charles (1, born in New York). (1850 census for the 10th ward, King County, New York, USA)
This strongly suggests a naturalization record for Thomas Mitchell filed in the City Court of Brooklyn, NY on 19 Oct 1850 refers to him:
NATURALIZATION RECORD: "In City Court of Brooklyn. State of New York, Kings County, City of Brooklyn. SS, I Thomas Mitchell Do declare on oath, that it is my intention to become a Citizen of the United States; and so renounce for ever all allegiance and fidelity to any Foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever; and particularly to the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Sworn in open Court, this 19th day of October 1850 Thomas Mitchell..." (North Carolina Naturalization Records (Camin) - Thomas Mitchell New Hanover County 1850. Citizenship and Naturalization Records 1850-1853 New Hanover Co. CR 070 902.1)
Thomas and Eliza's obituaries both suggest they migrated shortly after the census to Wilmington (Wrightsville Sound), New Hanover Co. NC, perhaps as early as 1852. In any event, they appear in the 1860 census.
CENSUS RECORDS: 1860- Thomas Mitchell and his wife Eliza are listed in the 1860 census for Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC living next door to John Rudge (his son-in law)'s family. In this entry he is identified as a fisherman. (1860 census for Wrightsville Sound, New Hanover Co. NC)
OBITUARY: "In this town, on the morning of the 8th inst., Mrs. ELIZA MITCHELL, wife of Thomas Mitchell, aged 64 years and 2 months and 27 days, a native of the Isle of Wight, England, but a resident of Wilmington for the past ten years. The friends and acquaintenances of the family are invited to attend her funeral this afternoon at 4 o'clock, from the residence of W.E. Mitchell." (The Daily Journal, Wilmington, N.C. Wednesday, October 8, 1862, v. 12 no. 27, whole number 3408, page 3).
BURIAL RECORD: "MITCHELL, Eliza, 64 years old, died October 8, 1862. Married. Born in England and died in Wilmington, N.C. Interment in the public ground." (Haskett, Delmas. Oakdale Cemetery Records, Wilmington, NC 1852-1879 v. 1 page 154.) This is later indicated in the book as a yellow fever interment.
CITY DIRECTORIES: 1865 -A Thomas Mitchell is listed as a clerk, residing with James H. Mitchell on 4th Street between Market and Dock. (Wilmington City Directory for 1865); 1871 -A Thomas Mitchell is listed as residing on Castle Street between 6th and 7th streets. (Wilmington City Directory for 1871, page 270)
CENSUS RECORD: 1870- Thomas Mitchell is listed as residing at the home of his son, James H. Mitchell.
OBITUARY: "DIED. In this city, yesterday morning at 6 1/2 o'clock, THOMAS MITCHELL, a native of England, but for the past 25 years a resident of this place, aged 73 years and 4 months. The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock A.M. from his late residence between Sixth and Seventh Streets, thence to Oakdale Cemetery. His friends and acquaintenances are respectfully invited to attend." (The Daily Journal, Wilmington, N.C. Thursday, September 21, 1871, v. 20 no. 34, whole number 5957, page 3).
BURIAL RECORD: "MITCHELL, Thomas, 73 years old, died September 20, 1871. Married. Born in England and died in Wilmington, N.C. Interment in Section J, Lot No. 45. Lot owned by James Mitchell." (Haskett, Delmas. Oakdale Cemetery Records, Wilmington, NC 1852-1879 v. 1 page 154.)
Thomas MITCHELL and Eliza nee LINNINGTON had the following children:
2 i. Louisa2 MITCHELL (1822-1907) 3 ii. Thomas Edwin2 MITCHELL (1823-) 4 iii. Caroline Eliza2 MITCHELL (1826-) 5 iv. George William2 MITCHELL (1828-) 6 v. John Henry2 MITCHELL (1829-1872) 7 vi. Eliza2 MITCHELL (1832-) 8 vii. William Edward2 MITCHELL (1829-1872) 9 ix. Emma Jane2 MITCHELL (1836-) 10 x. Charles Augusta2 MITCHELL (1838-1860) 11 x. Henry Alfred2 MITCHELL (1839)
2. Louisa2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). Louisa was born on 8 Jan 1822 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England and was baptized on 3 Mar 1822 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. She died after three days of paralysis on 2 May 1907 at her home on 613 Baynard St., Savannah, Chatham Co., GA and was buried at 4:30 pm on 3 May 1907 in the Laural Grove Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham Co., GA. Here are five photographs of Louisa nee Mitchell RUDGE.
She married John RUDGE, son of William and Hannah nee Taylor RUDGE, on 9 Nov 1842 in the Parish Church, West Ham, Essex Co., England. John was born on 7 Apr 1822 in West Ham (according to his son's record of birth), Essex Co. England. He was baptized on 12 May 1822 at St. George The Martyr, Southwark, Surrey. He died of yellow fever on 30 Dec 1860 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC, and was buried on 31 Dec 1860 in the Public Ground, Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. His marriage and also his son's record of birth refer to him as an "engineer". Here's a photograph of John and Louisa nee Mitchell Rudge. Information about John's parentage and their descendants is located here.
RECORD OF MARRIAGE: "[Year] 1842. Marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Westham in the County of Essex. No. 268 [When Married] November 9; [Name and Surname] John Rudge [and] Louisa Mitchell; [Age] Full Age, Full age [Condition] Bachelor, Spinster; [Rank or Profession] Engineer, (none listed); [Residence at the Time of Marriage] Westham, Westham; [Father's Name and Surname] William Rudge Deceased, Thomas Mitchell; [Rank or Profession of Father] Engineer, Brewer. Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church, After Banns by me, R. H. Howard. This Marriage was solemnized between us, John Rudge [and] Louisa Mitchell, in the Presence of us, Thomas Adams and Hannah Adams."
Louisa and her husband John lived in St. George in the East, Middlesex England for a short time and then migrated to Le Havre, Seine Maritime, France, where according to tradition (referred to by Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones) John worked on the rebuilding and repair of the port. There is a record of their son John William's birth in Le Havre, Seine Maritime, and also their daughter Mary Louisa's birth in Nantes, Loire Atlantique, France. (The latter record suggests John was not present at the birth of his youngest daughter.)
Baptism records for their first three children suggest that John and Louisa migrated to Le Havre, Seine Maritime, France shortly after their marriage with several other members of their family, including John's older brothers William and Edward, his older sister Sarah Elizabeth nee Rudge Pollington, their families and Louisa's parents, Thomas and Eliza Mitchell. They returned to the parish of St. George in the East, Middlesex, England, as witnessed by records of the deaths of two of their children, and then returned to Le Havre, where according to tradition (referred to by Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones) John worked on the rebuilding and repair of the port. There is a record of his son John William's birth in Le Havre, Seine Maritime, and also their daughter Mary Louisa's birth in Nantes, Loire Atlantique, France (noted below). The family appears in the 1851 census for Nantes.
A "laving up list" (reference 120j27292) of the crew of the steamboat "La Bretagne", which was built in Le Havre in 1843 and engaged in offshore coastal traffic between Nantes and Lisbon under Captain Blanchent refers to John as follows: Left from the port of Nantes on 29 May 1854 and returned on 14 August 1854, John Rudge, chief mechanic, living in Nantes, born in Great Britain, age 39 years old, Hair and eyebrows blond, high forehead, ordinary nose, middle mouth, heavy chin and oval face. Wages 250 francs per month."
"As you already know our great grandfather (your great great) John William Rudge was born in Le Havre, (France) while his father was engaged as an engineer in the rebuilding of the port. I have a daguerreotype of him and his older brother Thomas taken there, probably in about 1852-1855. I also recall that when they entered this country they came to Philadelphia first, then Savannah. There may be records of entry there in the immigration office. Mamma Carrie (my grandmother) and Aunt Kate always kept little bits of French phrases that they used to hear as children from this episode." (letter from Kenneth Rudge Wilson Jones to David Rudge 20 Mar 1983)
A descendant, William Jerome Rudge Jr. claimed that the early Rudges, like other immigrants, were trying to get away from poor economic conditions, "crooks and robbers" from England, outcasts who came for a new start. His daughter in law, Beverly Anne Cook Rudge, distinctly remembers him telling about the family's immigration from England. Someone was carrying a little boy up a gang plank The boy fell into the ocean and was fished out by someone, thus ensuring the Rudges made it to America."
I have located an immigration record that appears to refer to our John Rudge and his family. They arrived at the port of New York on 6 Nov 1858 aboard the ship Wm. Frothingham, which set sail from Le Havre. On the ship's manifest are listed John Rudge (age 36), Louise Rudge (age 36), Mary Rudge (age 8) and John Rudge (age 6). An image of this immigration record is located here.
John and his family appear in the 1860 census for Wrightsville Sound (Wilmington), New Hanover Co. NC taken in August next to his in-laws, Thomas and Eliza nee LINNINGTON MITCHELL. John and his wife are both listed as 38 years old and born in England; his son John William and daughter Mary Louise are listed as 11 and 9 years old respectively, both born in France.
OBITUARY: "In this town, on the morning of the 30th inst., Mr. JOHN RUDGE, aged 38 years and 9 months. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend the funeral, from his late residence on Second street (next door to Wm. Mitchell's), at 3 o'clock this afternoon, 31st inst." The Daily Journal, Wilmington, N. C. Monday December 31, 1860, v. 10, no. 97, whole number 2867, p. 3. (Essentially the same obituary appears in The Wilmington Daily Herald, Wilmington, N. C. for Monday December 31, 1860 and also The Wilmington Journal, 3 Jan 1861, v. 17, no. 19.)
After the death of her husband (ca 1860-61) Louisa and her children migrated to Columbia, Richland Co. SC , where, according to an application for membership into the United Daughters of the Confederacy written by her granddaughter (Kate Irma Rudge) transcribed below under the entry for her son, John William, ran away from home to join the Confederacy. Why she moved to Columbia and what she did during the Civil War are unclear, but in any event she and her daughter Mary Louise returned to Wilmington shortly thereafter where they reunited with her son.
CITY DIRECTORY: "Rudge, L. Rudge res. s. w. cor. Market & 7th" (William H. Bernard's Wilmington and Fayetteville Directory 1866-'7, p. 96.)
On 18 Aug 1866, Louisa and her two surviving children were received by the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as the Front Street Station M.E. Church South, in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC "on profession of faith in Christ." She is also mentioned as a member on a list of church members dated Nov 1869 and 1870, the latter mentioning that she and her daughter were "removed by certificate in Feb 1873".
Louisa moved in with her daughter's (Mary Louise RUDGE (BANKS)) family in Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC (1870 census), where she is referred to as "Louisa Roger" age 48. They migrated south ca. 1870-71 by way of Baxley, Appling Co., GA (1880 census), ultimately ending up in Savannah, Chatham Co. GA. Louisa appears as a separate entry in several Savannah City directories (1883, 1884, 1893, 1894, 1896-1906), most of which refer to her as the widow of J. Rudge. According to the 1883 and 1884 Savannah city directories, Louisa worked as a housekeeper for a hotel called Screvens House.[Home of commercial travel on Johnson Square. Rooms were $2.00-3.00 per night.] Louisa apparently moved around a great deal within the city, as almost no two entries in these directories give the same address. She curiously does not appear in the soundex index for the 1900 census for Savannah.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE DETAILING AN INTERVIEW SHE HAD: "FORTUNE GOES BEGGING. A SAVANNAH LADY THE SUPPOSED HEIRESS TO $100,000. Mrs. Rudge, Formerly of England, Sought for by Chancery Attorneys With an Estate to Dispose of - A Slight Difference in Names and Localities All That Stands in the Way of Her Assuming the Property - A Chat With Mrs. Rudge. EKINS-RUDGE-MRS. RUDGE, FORMERLY of Great Barford, Bedfordshire, England, (nee Ekins), if living, or her children if dead, may bear of something to her advantage by applying to PATTISON, WIGG & KING, solicitors, 11 Queen Victoria st., London, or to J. ARTHUR BARRATT, Consellor [sic] -at-Law, 11 Pine st., New York. This advertisement appeared in Sunday's New York Herald. The Herald, in commenting upon it says: It appears from the information imparted by Mr. Barratt to a Herald reporter that Mrs. Rudge, whose maiden name was Ekins, accompanied her husband to Canada about twenty years ago, and subsequently coming with him to this country, settled down either at Washington or somewhere in the neighborhood. Since then nothing has been heard of Mrs. Rudge by her relatives, and she is now being sought in order that she may claim her share of an estate left by a bachelor relative. This relative died about twenty-five years ago, and his estate got into chancery. After a great number of years had passed, a settlement was effected, not, however, before the estate had been well taxed for legal expenses. The money has since been distributed among the family, and Mrs. Rudge is entitled to her share- a quite considerable one if she can furnish the proper proofs of her identity. Mr. Barratt represents the London solicitors and will conduct an examination of all claimants that present themselves in this city. If the proofs are satisfactory the property will be transferred to the claimants. MRS. RUDGE IN SAVANNAH. The name of Rudge is by no means a common one, and friends of Mrs. Louisa Rudge, of No. 32 Henry street, in this city, believe that the description is imperfect and that it refers to Mrs. Rudge, of Savannah. A MORNING NEWS reporter had a very pleasant interview with Mrs. Rudge yesterday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Banks. She is a typical English lady of 67 years, with hair white as the driven snow, but it is no index of her vigor, for in conversation and carriage she seems ten years younger. Mrs. Rudge says that her attention was called to the Herald advertisement and comments by a family friend, Mr. H. C. Houston. She was not prepared to believe that she was the person referred to for two reasons. One is that her maiden name was Mitchell, and second, that she never resided in Canada. It was true, however, that she had relatives in England, and there were proceedings in chancery by relatives of her husband before he died. That, however, was in Staffordshire, and not in Great Barford. A NEIGHBOR OF CHARLES DICKENS. Mrs. Rudge was the daughter of Thomas Mitchell, and her husband's father was William Rudge, a famous engineer. Charles Dickens, she says, lived right across from the old place of the Rudges, and the name of a leading character in one of the great novelist's works she thinks may have been suggested by that fact. She says she married John Rudge Nov. 9, 1842, and showed the certificate of the Parish Clerk, which sets forth that John Rudge and Louisa Mitchell were united in marriage on that date in the parish church of West Ham, Essex county. Her husband was also a celebrated engineer, and the couple resided in Spain, France and Italy, and in October, 1858, emigrated to this country, settling at Wilmington, NC. Her father had come over from England six years before, and owned a watering place near Wilmington which he named Masonboro Sound, but the people called it Mitchell's Sound. The husband of Mrs. Rudge contracted a violent cold, which brought on consumption, from which he died Dec. 30, 1860. MOVED TO SAVANNAH. Mrs. Rudge moved to Savannah in June 1871, where she has since resided. She has two children, Mrs. John Banks, wife of the carpenter of that name, with whom she resides, and one son, John William Rudge, living in Richmond, Va. She has a sister living in Savannah, Mrs. Eliza Hazelton, wife of Samuel J. Hazelton, the carpenter, on Montgomery street, who has three daughters. While Mrs. Rudge does not feel warranted in affirming that she is the person advertised for, she is free to say that there may be property coming from both sides of the family tree, the Rudges and the Mitchells. She intends communicating at an early date with the London and New York lawyers whose names are given in the advertisement, and is prepared by the best documentary evidence to establish her connection by blood and legal marriage with the Rudges and Mitchells of England. Mrs. Rudge is an intelligent lady, of pleasing address, refined by education and travel, and her friends in this city, who are many, sincerely hope that she will come into a rich legacy. It is understood that the amount awaiting the right Mrs. Rudge is in the neighborhood of $100,000." (30 Mar 1899 Morning News (Savannah, GA) p. 9)
OBITUARY: "Mrs. Louisa Rudge. Mrs. Louisa Rudge died at her home No. 613 Barnard street, yesterday morning at 8:30 o'clock as a result of a stroke of paralysis which she suffered Monday. It was known from the first that she could not recover. Mrs. Rudge was 85 years of age and up to the time of her recent illness had enjoyed the best of health. She was the oldest living member of Grace Methodist Church and was an active worker in its interest. She was born at Portsmouth, Hampshire, England January 8, 1822, and came to America in 1858. She leaves behind one son, John W. Rudge of Monroe, N.C. and seven grandchildren. Mrs. R. J. Warrick, Mrs. Walter W. Metzger, Mrs. John M. Blaine, Mrs. Jule Kaufman, Miss Georgia Banks and Messrs. John S. and Robert E. Banks. Mrs. Rudge was the mother of Marie Louise Banks, who died April 18, 1906. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock from Grace Methodist Church, and the services will be conducted by the Rev. W. T. Darley, the pastor, assisted by the Rev. W. A. Nisbet of Westminster Presbyterian Church. The interment will be in the family lot in Laurel Grove Cemetery. The following will act as pall bearers: Messrs. W. W. Metzger, John M. Blaine, Jule Kaufman, John S. Banks, R. E. Banks, Harry T. Kramer, and R. J. Warrick." (Savannah Morning News Friday, May 3 1907 p. 5); SECOND OBITUARY: "SAVANNAH TEN YEARS AGO. Thursday, May 2, 1907... Mrs. Louisa Rudge, eighty-five years of age, died at her residence, No. 613 Bernard street." (2 May 1917 Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA) Section A, Page 6, Column 3)
FUNERAL NOTICE: "Rudge-The relatives and friends of Mrs. Louisa Rudge are requested to attend her funeral this Friday afternoon May 3 at 4:30 o'clock from Grace Memorial Church. Interment private" (Savannah Morning News Friday, May 3 1907 p. 2)
Louisa MITCHELL and John RUDGE had children.
3. Thomas Edwin2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). Thomas Edwin was born ca. 1823 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England and was baptized on 11 Dec 1823 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. He does not appear in the migration record for his parents noted above, nor the 1850 census entry. He is buried in his brother James Mitchell's plot at St. James in Wilmington, NC.
According to the Thomas Bible "Thomas Mitchell [son of Thomas and Eliza ne Linnington Mitchell] never married. - died in a war in England."
4. Caroline Eliza2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). Caroline Eliza was born ca. 1826 in France and was baptized on 12 Mar 1826 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. She died on 23 May 1859 and is buried in the Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. She appears in the migration record for her parents and is also included in their 1850 census entry. Caroline Eliza married Joseph R. NORTH. He was born ca. 1828 and died on 8 Oct 1859 in Brooklyn, NY. They and three of their four children appear in the 1855 census for New York State.
OBITUARY: "DIED. In this town, last night, 23d. inst., Mrs. CAROLINE E., wife of Mr. Joseph R. North, formerly of New York city, and daughter of Thomas Mitchell, Esqr., aged 33 years. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend her funeral this afternoon at 3 1/2 oÕclock, at her late residence, thence to Oakdale Cemetery." (24 May 1859 The Daily Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 2); SECOND OBITUARY: "DIED. In this town, last night, 23d. inst., Mrs. CAROLINE E., wife of Mr. Joseph R. North, formerly of New York city, and daughter of Thomas Mitchell, Esqr., aged 33 years." (27 May 1859 Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 3; 30 May 1859 Fayetteville Weekly Observer (Fayetteville, NC) p. 1); THIRD OBITUARY: "DIED. NORTH- In Wilmington, N. C., on the evening of the 22d ult., Mrs. CAROLINE E. NORTH, aged 33 years, wife of Joseph R. North, and daughter of Thomas Mitchell, Esq., late of New York City, but for some time past a resident of Wilmington." (1 Jun 1859 The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) p. 3)
OBITUARY: "NORTH-On Saturday morning, Oct 8, at the residence of his father, No. 262 Smith street, Brooklyn, Joseph R. North, aged 31 years." (10 Oct 1859 New York Tribune (New York, NY) v. xix issue 5716 p. 5); SECOND OBITUARY: "A Printer Dead. We find in a late New York paper, with the request for the Wilmington papers to copy, a notice of the death of Mr. Joseph R. North, who died in the City of Brooklyn on the 8th of the present month. Mr. North was a printer by profession. He came from New York to Wilmington in July 1858, and got employment in this office, where he staid until a few weeks ago, when he left us, went home again, and died. Mr. North was prepossessing in his personal appearance, a good workman- in fact a master of his profession, and possessed of some considerable degree of intelligence. He had his faults of course, as the best of us have, but it is well to speak lightly of them as we are sure in his case they were more from the head than the heart." (12 Oct 1859 The Wilmington Daily Herald (Wilmington, NC) p. 2)
Caroline Eliza MITCHELL and Joseph R. NORTH had the following children:
i. George3 NORTH (b. 1849 in Kings Co. NY) ii. Mary Van Dyke3 NORTH (b. 19 Jul 1853 in Brooklyn, NY) iii. Carrie3 NORTH (b. May 1855 in Brooklyn, NY) iv. William3 NORTH (b. 1859 in Wilmington, NC d. 7 Dec 1860 in Wilmington, NC)
5. George William2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). George William was born ca. 1828 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England and was baptized on 18 May 1828 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. He does not appear in the migration record for his parents and is not included in the 1850 census entry for his parents. If he survived, it is unclear he migrated to the U.S.
According to the Thomas Bible "George Mitchell [son of Thomas and Eliza ne Linnington Mitchell] Never married. - died in Paris when he was 22."
6. James Henry2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). James Henry was born in Dec 1829 in London, England and was baptized on 2 May 1830 at St. Marys, Portsea, Hampshire, England. He does not appear in the migration record for his parents and is not included in the 1850 census entry for his parents. James died on 22 Sep 1872 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and was buried on 24 Sep 1872 in Section J, Lot 45 Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. According to his namesake son's obituary he was a gas-fitter.
James married Madeline O. BURCH ca. 1854. She was born ca. 1831 in New York and died 13 Oct 1895 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. She is buried in the Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
OBITUARY:"DIED. MITCHELL. At his residence in this city, Sept. 23d at 6 o'clock P.M., James H. Mitchell, aged 43 years and 10 months. The funeral will take place from his late residence, corner Church and Seventh streets, this afternoon at 3 1/2 o'clock. The friends and acquaintances of the family are respectfully invited to attend."(24 Sep 1872 Wilmington Morning Star (Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC) p. 1)
OBITUARY:"Death of Mrs. Madeline Mitchell. The friends of Mrs. Madeline Mitchell, widow of the late Mr. James Mitchell and mother of Mr. George W. Mitchell, will regret to hear of her death on Sunday night at 7:45 o'clock at her residence on Castle street, between Fourth and Fifth streets. She had been in bad health for several months. The deceased was in the 64th year of her age and leaves a son and two daughters Mrs. J. J. Bell and Mrs. J. L. Barker. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from Fifth Street church, of which Mrs. Mitchell had been a member for many years. The services were conducted by the Rev. W. L. Cuniggim and the remains were borne thence to Oakdale cemetery and laid to rest. The pallbearers were Messers. W. K. Bell, John W. Perdew, T. T. Seeders, B. A. McClammy, S. W. Holden and John W. Hewett."(15 Oct 1895 The Wilmington Messenger (Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC) p. 4)
James Henry MITCHELL and Madeline O. BURCH had the following children:
12 i. George William3 MITCHELL (1855-1894) 13 ii. Margaret E.3 MITCHELL (ca1859-) 14 iii. Charles Henry3 MITCHELL (1860-1861) 15 iv. Rosa L.3 MITCHELL (ca1863-) 16 v. James H.3 MITCHELL (ca1865-1873) 17 vi. Thomas Augustus3 MITCHELL (1866-1867)
7. Eliza2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). Eliza was born in Jan 1832 in England. She appears in the migration record for her parents and is also included in their 1850 census entry. She died in Savannah, Chatham Co., GA and was buried in the Laurel Grove Cemetery, Lot 796, Savannah, Chatham Co., GA.
According to the Thomas Bible "Liza Mitchell [son of Thomas and Eliza ne Linnington Mitchell] born about 1834 educated in France."
Eliza first married Isaac Burlington LAVIER on 11 Sep 1855 in New Hanover Co. NC. He was born ca. 1837 in Wexford, Ireland. Isaac died on 15 Jun 1865 in Savannah, Chatham Co. GA. He served as a private in Company D of the 22nd Battalion of the Georgia Heavy Artillery. Eliza second married Samuel J. HASELTON on 18 Apr 1867 in Chatham Co. GA. He was born ca. 1841 in South Carolina and died in Savannah, Chatham Co. GA.
8. William Edward2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). He was born in Jun 1834 in England. He appears in the migration record for his parents and is also included in their 1850 census entry. He died on 3 Nov 1862 and was buried the same day in Section D, Lot 63 Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. He was superintendant of the gas works.
According to the Thomas Bible "William Mitchell [son of Thomas and Eliza ne Linnington Mitchell] married Mary La Graffe. They lived in New York. Had two children living in Wilmington, N.C."
William Edward married Mary A. LAGRAVE, daughter of Paul M. and Sarah M. LaGrave, ca. 1855 presumably in New York City. She was born about 1837 in France. As indicated in the bible entry above, they migrated to Wilmington, NC along with the rest of the Mitchell family prior to the birth of their first child. She died on 2 Jan 1916 in Brooklyn, NY.
OBITUARY: "In this town, on the 3th inst., Mr. WILLIAM E. MITCHELL, Superintendent of the Gas Works, age 28 years and 6 months." (The Daily Journal Office, Wilmington, N. C. November 4, 1862, p. 1.); "MITCHELL: D. In this town, on the 3rd instant, of yellow fever, Mr. WILLIAM E. MITCHELL, Superintendent of the Gas Works, aged 28 years and 6 months. DJ Tues 4 Nov 1862" in Marriage and Death Notices, Wilmington, NC 1866-70; "DIEDÉ In WilmingtonÉ MR. WM. E. MITCHELL, Superintendent of the Gas Works, aged 28 years and 6 monthsÉ" (10 Nov 1862 Carolina Observer (Fayetteville, NC) v. XLIII issue 2371, p. 1).
After the death of her first husband, Mary A. nee LaGrave Mitchell second married Col. R. M. "Brich" Talifero. She is listed with her new husband and three children in an 1880 census for Brooklyn, NY. In this entry he is listed as being originally from Virginia. Mary is later listed as widowed in the 1910 census entry for her son in law, Charles Farmer, in Benton Harbor, MI.
OBITUARY: "Mrs. Mary A. Taliferro. A telegram was received by Chas. K. Farmer, of Benton Harbor, announcing the death of Mary A. Taliferro, mother of Mrs. C. K. Farmer. Mrs. Taliaferro [sic] was 83 years of age and has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Farmer for a number of years since the death of her husband, Col. R. M. Taliaferro, whom she married in Virginia. Mrs. Farmer and her mother was summed by telegram in July to attend the funeral of a relative in Brooklyn, N.Y., and since their arrival there the mother has been sick most of the time and about two weeks ago was stricken with paralysis, from which she never recovered and passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 2. On account of the illness Mrs. Farmer has been unable to return with her mother and she has been at the home of an aunt, 262 Union street, Brooklyn, ever since, where death occurred. Interment was at Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y., on Tuesday. Mrs. Taliaferro was well known in the twin cities and was always interested in public affairs and anxious to be the first woman to enroll in the Benton Harbor Chamber of Commerce. She leaves two sons who reside in Brooklyn and were with her during her late illness." (9 Jan 1916 St. Joseph Saturday Herald (Saint Joseph, MI) p. 4)
William Edward MITCHELL and Mary A. LAGRAVE had the following children:
17 i. Edward James3 MITCHELL (b. 1857) 18 ii. Adolphus LaGrave3 MITCHELL (b. 1859) 19 ii. Eliza Athenaise3 MITCHELL (b. 1862)
9. Emma Jane2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). Eliza was born in ca. 1836. She does not appear in the migration record for her parents and is not included in the 1850 census entry for her parents.
10. Charles Augusta2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). He was born 19 Sep 1838 in Ingorville, France. He was baptized on 21 Jun 1840 at Le Havre, France. He died on 21 Oct 1860 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and was buried ca. Oct 1860 in Public Ground, Oakdale Cem., Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
BAPTISM RECORD: "Charles Augustus, born at Ingorville 19th September 1838; Henry Alfred, born at Ingorville 3rd November 1839; sons of Thomas Mitchell, and of Eliza his wife (late Linnington) were publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 21st June 1840. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 214.)
Charles Augustus appears in the migration record for his parents and is also included in the 1850 census entry for his parents.
OBITUARY: "MITCHELL. D. In this town, on the 21st instant, CHARLES A. MITCHELL, a native of Portsmouth, England but a resident of Wilmington for the last nine years, aged 23 years andÊ 1 month." (23 Oct 1860 The Daily Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 2: 25 Oct 1860 Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 3)
11. Henry Alfred2 MITCHELL (Thomas1). He was born 3 Nov 1839 in Ingorville, France. He was baptized on 21 Jun 1840 at Le Havre, France.
BAPTISM RECORD: "Charles Augustus, born at Ingorville 19th September 1838; Henry Alfred, born at Ingorville 3rd November 1839; sons of Thomas Mitchell, and of Eliza his wife (late Linnington) were publickly baptized by me on Sunday the 21st June 1840. Geo M. Jukes, Chaplain" (Miscellaneous Foreign Returns of Births, Marriages and Deaths 1627-1960, microfilm RG 33/57, Nantes Vol. 1, p. 214.)
Henry Alfred appears in the migration record for his parents and is also included in their 1850 census entry.
According to the Thomas Bible "Harry Mitchell [son of Thomas and Eliza ne Linnington Mitchell] never married."
12. George William3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). He was born on 26 Jun 1855 in North Carolina. George William died on 17 Sep 1894 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and is buried in the Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. He was a tinner.
OBITUARY: "Sudden Death. A very sad death occurred yesterday evening at 6:10 o'clock in the sudden demise of Mr. Geo. W. Mitchell, a winner who has worked for twenty four years in the establishment of Capt. J. H. Taylor, at No. 23 South Front Street. He died at the store and had been at work all day, although he had complained of indigestion since Saturday, and a short while previous to his death said his chest hurt him. He worked until 5:45 p.m., the knocking off hour, and laid down on a bench in the tinshop upstairs at five minutes to 6 o'clock, suffering greatly from the pain in his chest. Someone noticed how hard he was breathing and his condition was so alarming that Dr. W. E. Storm was hurriedly summoned from his office two squares away. He arrived at 6:10 o'clock p. m., but Mr. Mitchell was breathing his last. Coroner Walton was summoned, but did not deem it necessary to hold an inquest, so the remains were removed to his saddened home on Castle street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, where resides his aged mother and sister, whose only support he was. He was aged 39 years and seven months, and was never married. He was devoted to his mother and sister, and was highly esteemed as a dutiful son and most worthy man by all who know him. Mr. Mitchell was a member of Stonewall Lodge No. 1, Knights of Pythia, and of Cherokee Tribe No. 9, Independent Order of Red Men, and the members of these orders are called out to attend the funeral which will take place at the family residence this afternoon at 4 o'clock. The interment will take place at Oakdale cemetery. DIED. MITCHELL- In this city at 6:10 oÔclock p.m., Monday September 17th 1894, Geo. W. Mitchell aged 39 years and 7 months. Funeral this (Tuesday) afternoon at 4 o'clock at the residence on Castle street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, thence to Oakdale Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances invited." (18 Sep 1894 The Wilmington Messenger (Wilmington, NC) p. 4); SECOND OBITUARY: "Sudden Death of Mr. Geo. W. Mitchell. Mr. Geo. W. Mitchell, a winner employed by Mr. Jas. H. Taylor, died yesterday afternoon at his bench while at work. He had complained during the day of a pain in his breast, and at five minutes to six o'clock he became very sick, laid down and gradually grew worse. Mr. J. W. Perdue and Mr. H. K. Holden, who were in the shop, did all they could, and sent for a doctor, but before the physician came, Mr. Mitchell expired. He was born in this city, and was well known as an honest, upright citizen, quiet in manner and a hard worker in his business. Also as he died Mr. Tolar, who had worked with him for twenty-five years, was sent for and the coroner notified. The latter viewed the body and after hearing testimony decided that the deceased came to his death from heart disease. It was then removed to the hours of Mr. Mitchell, on Castle between Fourth and Fifth Streets by members of the two lodges to which he belonged- Cherokee Tribe of Red Men No. 9 and Stonewall Jackson Lodge No. 1. K. of P. He leaves a mother and sister to mourn his loss. The funeral takes place from the residence at 4 o'clock this evening." (18 Sep 1894 The Wilmington Morning Star (Wilmington, NC) p. 1)
13. Margaret E.3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). She was born on 5 Apr 1859 in North Carolina. She married John J. BELL, son of William E. and Sarah E. nee Grant Bell, on 4 Dec 1894 in New Hanover Co. NC. John J. was born on 17 Jun 1859 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and died on 21 Jan 1925 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. Both are buried in the Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
14. Charles Henry3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). He was born on 4 Apr 1860. He died on 1 Jul 1861 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and is buried in Lot 47, Section J, Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
OBITUARY: "DIED... On the 1st inst., CHARLES HENRY, infant son of James and Madelenia [sic] Mitchell, aged 14 months and 28 days. The friends and acquaintances of the family are respectfully requested to attend the funeral, at 4 o'clock P.M., from the residence of the parents, on Front Street, near Dock, thence to Oakdale Cemetery." (1 Jul 1861 The Daily Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 2)
15. Rosa L.3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). She was born 6 Sep 1863 in North Carolina and died on 6 Oct 1914. She married John Leo BARKER, son of John Augustus and Amelia nee Price Barker, on 24 Feb 1885. John Leo Barker was born in Dec 1858 and died on 18 Mar 1920 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
OBITUARY: "WILMINGTON LADY DIES. Mrs. J. L. Barker Passed Away Last Midnight-Funeral. Friends will learn with deep sorrow of the death last night of Mrs. Rosa L. Barker, wife of Mr. J. L. Barker, of 411 Castle street, after an illness of a year or more. She was in her 52nd year. Surviving are her husband and a daughter, Mrs. R. R. Lane, of this city, and a sister, Mrs. J. J. Bell, also of this city. The funeral will be held from the residence tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock. Interment in the Oakdale Cemetery." (7 Oct 1914 The Wilmington Dispatch (Wilmington, NC) p. 6)
OBITUARY: "JOHN BARKER, VETERAN. OF WATER FRONT, DEAD. Was One of Old Time Boat Builders. John Barker, aged fifty-nine, veteran boat builder, and a familiar figure along the waterfront, was found dead in bed at his home, foot of Dawson street, early yesterday morning. Physicians pronounced death due to heart failure. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. R. R. Lane, 411 Castle street. Funeral services will be conducted this afternoon in the Church of the Good Shepherd by the rector, the Rev. F. D. Dean. Interment will be in Oakdale." (19 Mar 1920 The Wilmington Morning Star (Wilmington, NC) p. 5)
Rosa L. MITCHELL and John Leo BARKER had the following children:
i. Nettie4 BARKER (1898 1983)
16. James H.3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). He was born ca. 1865. He died on 7 Jul 1873 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and is buried in Lot 45, Section J, Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
OBITUARY: "Drowned. We regret to learn that Jimmie Mitchell, a little son of the late James Mitchell, the well-known gas fitter, was drowned late yesterday afternoon, while bathing in the suburbs of the city. Since writing the above we learn that deceased, in company with other boys, went to Wooster's dock, about 6 o'clock, for the purpose of washing a dog. The rest of the boys concluded to go in bathing, but told Jimmie to remain on a little plot of grass near the water until they got through. Soon after he was seen by one of the boys with his pants rolled up, wading in the edge of the dock, and it is supposed that he got beyond his depth, as when they next looked for the little fellow they could only see his hat drifting off with the tide. The alarm was instantly given and his body was subsequently recovered and taken to the residence of his afflicted mother, on Sixth, between Church and Castle streets, when Coroner Hewlett was notified of the circumstance."(8 Jul 1873 The Wilmington Morning Star (Wilmington, NC) p. 1)
17. Thomas Augustus3 MITCHELL (James Henry2Thomas1). He was born ca. Sep 1866. He died on 6 Jul 1867 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and is buried on 7 Jul 1867 in Lot 45, Section J, Oakdale Cemetery, Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC.
OBITUARY: "On July 6th, THOMAS AUGUSTUS, infant child of James H. and Madeline Mitchell." (12 Jul 1867 The Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, NC) p. 3)
18. Edward James3 MITCHELL (William Edward2).Thomas1). He was born on 15 Jun 1857 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and baptized on 6 Sep 1857 at the St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. He married Mary Esther MERRELL ca. 1883. Mary Esther was born ca. Jan 1857 in New York. Edward James MITCHELL and Mary Esther MERRELL had one child:
i. Elizabeth G.4 MITCHELL (b. Aug 1882 in New York)
19. Aldophus LaGrave3 MITCHELL (William Edward2).Thomas1). He was born on 26 Jul 1859 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and baptized on 6 Sep 1867 at the St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. He married Emily Louisa RYBERG on 22 Oct 1884 in Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York. Emily Louisa was born ca. Jan 1865 in New York.
Aldophus LaGrave MITCHELL and Emily Louisa RYBERG had the following children:
i. Jessie Gibson4 MITCHELL (b. Sep 1885 in New York) ii. William Edward4 MITCHELL (b. 3 Nov 1885 in Brooklyn, New York) iii. Robert4 MITCHELL (b. Mar 1886 in New York) iv. Louise4 MITCHELL (b. Nov 1889 in New York) v. LaGrave Adolph4 MITCHELL (b. 27 Feb 1893 in Rockville Center, New York)
20. Eliza Athenaise3 MITCHELL (William Edward2).Thomas1). She was born on 2 Oct 1862 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC and baptized on 24 May 1863 at the St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, New Hanover Co. NC. She died on 16 Apr 1922 in Grand Rapids, MI. She is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Saint Joseph, Berrien Co. MI.
Eliza Athenaise married Charles Kelsey FARMER, son of Francis C. and Sarah nee Van Ness Farmer, on 25 Sep 1883. He was born on 25 Nov 1861 in Brooklyn, NY and died on 15 Mar 1940 at a veterans' hospital at Bath, NY. He is buried with his wife at St. Joseph Cemetery, Saint Joseph, Berrien Co. MI. He was a postmaster for Benton Harbor, MI for many years and founder of the twin city Naval Reserves.
OBITUARY: "DEATH TAKES WIFE FORMER POSTMASTER. MRS. C. K. FARMER DIES SUDDENLY AT HOME OF DAUGHTER IN G.R. The many friends of Mrs. C. K. Farmer, wife of former Commander C. K. Farmer, and a resident of this city for the past 30 years, were greatly shocked when news of her sudden death at the house of her daughter, Mrs. John Smith, in Grand Rapids, Saturday morning, was received here today by Mrs. James B. Stevens Jr., of Territorial Road, an intimate friend of Mrs. Farmer for many years. Ill Sunday morning. Mrs. Farmer had spent the winter in Brooklyn, N.Y., caring for her only brother, who had suffered a stroke of paralysis last fall. She had but recently come to Grand Rapids to visit her elder daughter, Mrs. John health when she retired last night. About 6 o'clock Sunday morning she suddenly became ill and a physician was summoned. She passed away, however, before anything could be done for her. It was reported death was due to apoplexy. Was Prominent Here. Mrs. Farmer came to this city from New York about 30 years ago. She was the wife of C. K. Farmer, former lieutenant of the Benton Harbor Naval Reserves and commander of the naval base at Key West, Florida, during the World War. During her residence here Mrs. Farmer became widely and prominently known and was universally loved for her kindly, gentle manner and unstinted generosity. Deceased is survived by her husband and two daughters, Mrs. John Smith of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. J. A. Jefford, of Oak Park, Ill. Mr. Farmer was in St. Petersburg, Fla. at the time of his wife's death. He is now on his way to Benton Harbor. Funeral arrangements have not been as yet made, but the remains will be brought to Benton Harbor for interment." (17 Apr 1922 The News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI) p. 1); OBITUARY: "FARMER-At the home of her daughter, Mrs. John W. Smith, 226 Hampton avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. April 16, 1922 Athenaise Farmer, wife of Commander Charles K. Farmer, U.S.N.R.F." (12 May 1922 Army-Navy-Air Force Register and Defense Times, Volume 71 p. 446)
BIOGRAPHY: "Charles K. Farmer. Charles K. Farmer, of Benton Harbor, and purser of the steamer City of Chicago, was born in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., November 25, 1861. His parents were Francis V. and Sarah (Van Ness) Farmer, natives of New Jersey, the father of New Brunswick and the mother of Pompton. The father is now a retired businessman of New York City, having been in his earlier life a wholesale grocer, and later a manufacturer. The mother has been dead some ten years. Our subject's boyhood was passed in his native city, where he was graduated at the public schools at the age of sixteen years. After his graduation he went into the employ of the Butterick Publishing Company, of New York City, and remained in their employ two years. He next went with the Anchor Line Steamship Company; first as bill of lading clerk, having in charge the rate department, and quoting rates all over the world. Later he was made custom house clerk and boarding officer in the same company's employ. After having served in these positions for a period of seven years, he was compelled, owing to ill health, to sever his connection with the company, and he then began traveling on the road for the firm of Courtenay & Trull, of New York, City, selling railroad, electric light and telegraph supplies. He remained with this company three years, when he was placed in charge of the New York office of the Leatheroid Manufacturing Company, which position he very acceptably filled for three years, but on account of ill-health he was again forced to make a change in business, and he decided to leave the city and go west, and so moved to the State of Michigan, locating at Hartman, where he opened a general store, and through an agreement previously made with the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railroad Co. (now the Michigan division of the Big Four railroad), by which they were to erect a depot at that point (there being none), and he to act as their agent one year without compensation. He, in connection with his own business, served in the capacity of agent five years. During his residence here he was not only instrumental in establishing a station, but through his efforts a post office was given to Hartman, and the second year of his residence in the place Mr. Farmer was chosen township clerk, and for two terms he served the people as supervisor of the township. Our subject, in 1892, removed to Indianapolis, Ind., where, for one year, he was engaged in the fruit and produce commission business. He withdrew from this to accept the position as editor and manager of the National and State League News published in that city, and after conducting the paper for nearly a year, resigned and accepted a position on special work on the Indianapolis Journal. During the Grand Army Encampment in that city he was detailed to write up a special naval matter (the Naval Veterans Association holding their encampment there at the same time), and had his headquarters on a full-sized model of the old man-of-war Kearsarge, which was erected on the Statehouse grounds, Mr. Farmer having been selected to do the work, owing to the experience he had had and acquaintance with marine and naval matters while in New York City. Possessed of a delicate constitution, and from thorough overwork at the encampment, he was taken sick with nervous exhaustion, and was confined to his room for three months. After again getting out and about he thought best to make a change, and so, in the year 1893, he removed to Benton Harbor, Mich. In the following spring (1894) he accepted the position as agent of the Seymour Transportation Company, which ran a line of steamers between Chicago, St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The following year he was made superintendent of the line, and continued in that position until the line was discontinued. In March, 1896, he was engaged by the Graham & Morton Transportation Co., for special work, but, they not having any one to fill the position of purser, he was pressed into the service. On September 25, 1883, our subject was married to Miss Athenaise Mitchell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., a daughter of William Mitchell, of Wilmington, N. C., whose wife is Mary (La Grave) Mitchell, of Rochelle, France. To our subject and wife have been born three children-one daughter that died in infancy; Marie, aged ten years; and Louisa, born August 25, 1897. There was one period in Mr. Farmer's life when his ill health was a blessing in disguise, for he had made application, which was accepted, for the Jeneatte Expedition to the North Pole, but owing to his physical condition he had to withdraw his name. Mr. Farmer is a bright and capable business man, and a most genial and accommodating purser." (History of the Great Lakes, v. 2) [http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/documents/hgl2/default.asp?ID=s364]
OBITUARY: "Charles K. Farmer, 'Daddy' Of Naval Reserves, Dies. Charles K. Farmer, former Benton Harbor postmaster, founder of the twin city Naval Reserves, and for decades one of Benton Harbor's leading citizens, died at 12:25 Friday afternoon in a veterans' hospital in Bath, NY. He was 79 years old. Mr. Farmer had been in ill health for several years, and entered the eastern hospital in 1934. Word of his death was received here yesterday afternoon, and saddened a meeting of the Benton Harbor post No. 105, American Legion, which paused in its celebration of the 21st anniversary of that organization to pay tribute to the "daddy" of the twin city Naval Reserves. Mr. Farmer is mourned in the twin cities by scores of friends and associates who knew him as a Navy man, a postmaster, civic minded citizen, and business man. Mr. Farmer's life in Benton Harbor spanned the years of the town's growth from a small village to the thriving city it had become when he retired about 1925 from active participation in business and civic affairs. Came Here as a Young Man. He was born November 25, 1861, at Brooklyn, N.Y., and came to Benton Harbor as a young man. During the early years of his career here he was engaged in the drug and real estate businesses, and at one time was connected to the old Graham & Morton steamship lines. He received the appointment to postmaster of Benton Harbor during the administration of William H. Taft, and assumed the office on February 10, 1910, serving until March 1, 1914, when a Democratic administration under President Wilson named his successor. Organized Naval Reserves. Many years before the outbreak of the World war Mr. Farmer was a prime mover in the formation of the fourth division of the Naval Reserves here, and he commanded the twin city unit until the United States entered the conflict. Mr. Farmer answered the call to service with the rank of captain, and was first concerned with developing several divisions of Naval Reserves in the twin city area which were sent into active service. Later in 1917 he was assigned to duty at the Great Lakes Naval station near Chicago, and subsequently he was sent to the Key West, Fla. station, where he was to command for two years. Following the war, Mr. Farmer returned to Benton Harbor, where he remained active for several years, but in later years spent some time in Pennsylvania. His visits east were never prolonged, however, and he often declared that he could not remain permanently away from Benton Harbor. One of the happiest days of his life came in 1926, when, after a visit to Pennsylvania, he returned to view the fine new Naval armory in Benton Harbor for the first time and expressed his great pleasure that "his boys" had such a magnificent building. A major portion of the Navy Day observance of October 27, 1938 was dedicated to Mr. Farmer, and a part of that tribute was the moulding of a bronze bas relief of the veteran's head, which was later mounted at the Naval Reserve armory. Mr. Farmer is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Marie Smith of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. J. A. Jefford, of Oak Park, Ill. Funeral Tuesday. He was a lifelong member of the Knights Templar of the Masonic order and that organization will take part in the funeral services, together with the present Naval Reserve organization at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Benton Harbor Congregational church, the Rev. Howard A. Bienning will conduct the service. The body will be brought to Benton Harbor from Bath, N.Y. today and friends will be received Sunday and until 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Dean mortuary." (16 Mar 1940 The Herald-Press (Saint Joseph, MI) p. 2)
Eliza Athenaise MITCHELL and Charles Kelsey FARMER had the following children:
i. Sadie May4 FARMER (1885 1885) ii. Marie4 FARMER (1887 in New York) iii. Louise Crawford4 FARMER (Aug 1897 in Michigan)
If you recognize any of the names here and would like to contact me, here's my email address: david.rudge@wmich.edu.
Other lines on this site:
- Maine COOK FLUENT MILLS WEBBER WOODWARD;
- Michigan BIERI ROTH WYSS;
- North Carolina ADAMS GIBSON MITCHELL PAE PERSONS RUDGE BANKS COBLE;
- Virginia BATH BREEDLOVE WILLIAMSON;
- Wisconsin BREITKREUTZ FINDER NEFF YOUNG
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Last updated on 23 Jul 2023