William T. Mitchell

Contributor: Pat M. Mahan

WILLIAM T. MITCHELL tax collector of Lauderdale County, and one of its best known citizens, was born in the central part of the county, June 4, 1841. He is a son of N. G. and Rebecca (Richardson) Mitchell, both of whom were born in Lauderdale county. The father was a planter and merchant, and died about 1852. His widow died in 1878. The father of N. G. Mitchell was Robert Mitchell, who was one of the pioneers of Lauderdale county. The father of Mrs. Rebecca Mitchell was John R. Richardson, also one of the early settlers of the county. William Thomas Mitchell was reared on the farm, and received but a common school education. He remained on the farm until the beginning of the late war, and in 1861, he enlisted in company I, Ninth Alabama infantry, and served throughout the war. He was sergeant of his company for a time, and in 1864 was appointed, by President Davis, adjutant of the thirty-fifty [sic] Alabama infantry. He was neither wounded nor captured during the war. At the closed of hostilities, he engaged in farming in Lauderdale county, and has since continued so engaged. In 1884 he was elected tax collector of this county, was re-elected in 1888, and again in 1892. Mr. Mitchell is a Mason, a member of the order of Knights of Honor, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Emma Kennedy, of Lauderdale county, daughter of Enoch Kennedy. To their union seven children have been born, two of whom are dead. The names of those living are: Susan A.; Ula; Vernon; Ola and Rutledge. Mr. Mitchell has acquired his property by his own efforts, being left after the war with nothing, but he now has a comfortable competency.

Source: Memorial Record of Alabama. Vol. II. Brant & Fuller. Madison, Wis., 1893. pp. 361-362