A biography of Charles A.
Mitchell appears in Albert Williams, "Past and Present of Knox County,
Ohio", Vol. II, published in 1912, p. 563-4. It nearly contains more
information on his father, John Allen Mitchell, than it does on Charles:
CHARLES A. MITCHELL.
"The old-fashioned
notion that hard work, patient industry and far-sightedness make for success in
the various avenues of life does not seem to be accepted so unreservedly in our
day. The spread of pessimism engendered by many phases of our complex life is
in a great measure responsible for the lack of faith in the old idea. However,
if we observe conditions closely we will find that the intelligent individual,
who leads a practical and industrious life, will reach a point of success
commensurate with his efforts. The life of Charles A. Mitchell, ex-mayor of
Mount Vernon, will afford us an instance of this.
"Mr. Mitchell was born June 1, 1868 in Mt. Vernon,
Ohio, being the representative of one of Knox county's honored old families. He
is the son of John A. and Malissa (Jackson) Mitchell, who were both born,
reared, educated, married and spent their entire lives in this community. Sylvester
Mitchell [should be Sylvanus], the great-grandfather, came to Ohio from
Salem, Massachusetts, in 1808 and first settled near Granville, Licking county,
soon afterwards moving to Milford township, Knox county, and the land on which
he located still remains in the Mitchell family. The old pioneer had made the
long journey from Massachusetts on horseback, bringing all the earthly goods of
the family in that manner, ina saddle-bag. Grandfather Albert Mitchell was only
three years of age at that time. This country was then a vast forest through
which roamed red men and various kinds of wild game. He built a cabin and began
clearing the site for the splendid farm which he later developed. He was the
possessor of many commendable qualities, stood for good citizenship and right
living and he took a leading part in the affairs of his community. John Allen
Mitchell, father of the subject, was a stonemason by trade, and he spent all of
his active life in Mt. Vernon, with the exception of the years spent in the
army during the Civil war, having enlisted in the Union army in April, 1861, in
the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in response to President Lincoln's call for
seventy-five thousand troops. At the expiration of his term of service he
re-enlisted in Company H, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he
served until the close of the war. For meritorious service he was promoted to
the rank of captain of his company. He saw hard service, being continuously in
the Army of the Potomac. He participated in both the first and second battles
of Bull Run, Chancellorsville and many others. On the first day of the balle of
Gettysburg he was taken prisoner and was sent to Libby prison, where he had a
long term of confinement, remaining there until the spring of 1865, not being
released until after Lee's surrender. Prior to that battle he had also seen the
inside of Confederate prisons in various parts of the South, having been taken
prisoner long before the great conflict in Pennsylvania. He had many thrilling
experiences. He is described by his comrades as a valiant soldier, always at
his post, and he leaves an enviable record. After his career in the army he
returned to Mt. Vernon and resumed his trade as a brickmason. His death
occurred on May 6, 1892. He was a man of positive character and strong in his
likes and dislikes, and he had many warm friends throughout the county.
"Charles A. Mitchell, of this review, has spent
practically all his life in Mt. Vernon and he was educated in the public
schools here. When eighteen years of age, in April, 1887, he secured employment
as brakeman with the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus railroad, and he remained
with this company until August, 1899, giving them high grade service, being
advanced through the different stages until he became a conductor of freight. He
suffered from a sever attack of rheumatism for several years, at times being
compelled to use crutches, and one leg being seriously and permanently affected
he is still compelled to use one crutch. In May, 1903, he entered the office of
the auditor of Knox county as deputy auditor, which position he filled most
satisfactorily until October, 1906, when he was appointed auditor to fill an
unexpired term.
"Mr. Mitchell has always been an active Republican in
politics and in the fall of 1908 he was the party's candidate for county
auditor, but, Knox county being Democratic, he was defeated. He has always been
prominent and active in the councils of the party and has been a frequent
delegate to county, district and state conventions. In November, 1909, he was
elected mayor of Mt. Vernon and his term expired January 1, 1912. His administration
proved to be most satisfactory to all concerned, irrespective of party
alignment, and he is doing much for the permanent good of the vicinity.
"Fraternally, Mr. Mitchell is a member of Mt. Vernon
Lodge No. 140, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Sons of
Veterans.
"Mr. Mitchell was married on June 30, 1897, to Lucy
Clark, daughter of John and Sarah (Johnson) Clark, of Mt. Vernon. This union
has been without issue. The family home is at No. 111 East Front street, which
property has been the Mitchell home for more than fifty years. Mr. Mitchell is
fearless and outspoken when he knows he is right, a man of positive ideas,
integrity and force of character, and as a public servant is faithful and
conscientious, and is proving to be one of the most popular mayors the city of
Mt. Vernon has ever had."