Alexander Mitchell | |
|---|---|
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| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromWisconsin's4th district | |
| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 | |
| Preceded by | Charles A. Eldredge |
| Succeeded by | William Pitt Lynde |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's1st district | |
| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 | |
| Preceded by | Halbert E. Paine |
| Succeeded by | Charles G. Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 17, 1817 Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | April 19, 1887(1887-04-19) (aged 69) New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | Scottish immigrant |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | John Lendrum Mitchell |
| Relatives |
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| Occupation | Banker, investor, railroad magnate,politician |
| Signature | .png) |
Alexander Mitchell (October 17, 1817 – April 19, 1887) was aScottish-Americanbanker, railroadfinancier andDemocratic politician inMilwaukee.
Mitchell was born inEllon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the son of Margaret (Lendrum) and John Mitchell, in 1817[1] and immigrated to theUnited States in 1839. He pursued a career in banking inMilwaukee, and founded the Marine Bank of Wisconsin.[2]
Mitchell was president of theChicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway from 1864 to 1887. With fellow directorJeremiah Milbank (1818–1884) he built this railroad into one of the most profitable in the United States, and Mitchell became the wealthiest person in Wisconsin.
Mitchell representedWisconsin's 1st congressional district in theForty-second United States Congress. After redistricting he representedWisconsin's 4th congressional district in theForty-third United States Congress. He was nominated forGovernor of Wisconsin by the Democratic Party in 1877, but he declined to run.[2]
He was an avid curler, and helped popularize the sport in the United States. Mitchell helped found theMilwaukee Curling Club in the 1840s, and he was elected patron of theGrand National Curling Club.
Mitchell died in New York City and was buried atForest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.
Mitchell owned a mansion across the street from theMilwaukee County Courthouse, which is now the site of the Wisconsin Club.[3]
TheHistoric Mitchell Street neighborhood was named in his honor, as was the city ofMitchell, South Dakota, incorporated in 1881.
In World War II, the United StatesLiberty shipSSAlexander Mitchell was named in his honor.
TheMackie Building, which was constructed by Mitchell as an investment property, is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.[4] Additionally, theMitchell Building, which he also built, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well.[5]
His papers, along with those of his son John, are in the archives of theWisconsin Historical Society.[6]
Mitchell was married toMartha Reed, sister ofHarrison Reed, who served asGovernor of Florida duringReconstruction. Mitchell's son,John L. Mitchell, was aCongressman andUnited States Senator, and his grandson,Billy Mitchell, was aUnited States Army officer prominent during the early days of military aviation.
TheVilla Alexandria estate was located in theSan Marco neighborhood ofJacksonville, Florida.
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| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromWisconsin's 1st congressional district March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Member of the U.S. House of Representatives fromWisconsin's 4th congressional district March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 | Succeeded by |
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