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| Research Note | Dr. David LeMay Mitchell, born in Cleveland, TN - b. June 1, 1849 - d. Sept. 28, 1933
My great-grandfather was Dr. David LeMay Mitchell. He married Flora Bell Davis in Barry Co., MO, Nov. 4, 1888. This photo is of he and his wife Flora Mitchell (we know nothing about her Cherokee Indian history) and their only living child, Mabel Mitchell (later Ward). This photo was taken and displayed as a Memorial of the Family trip to St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 for my grandmother's 10th birthday. Typed by Linda Garrett Request from Emory Melton – Brief biography for his book about the history of Cassville. Copy of bio delivered to him. Dr. David LeMay Mitchell (June 1, 1849 – September 28, 1933) David LeMay Mitchell was born near Cleveland, Tennessee, oldest son of William David and Elizabeth Ragon Mitchell. He first taught school, then took up the study of medicine under a preceptor, alter receiving his first medical degree from Emory University School of medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1874. He earned a second medical degree from Hospital College of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky and began his practice of medicine in Rock Spring, Georgia. He first visited Barry County in 1882, to see two brothers, Samuel P. Mitchell and Joseph W. Mitchell and an uncle, J.C. Sellars, a Baptist minister. Seeing the need for medical services, he returned in 1884, and set up his medical practice on the southwest corner of the public square in Cassville. Later, he gave this property for the building of the First Baptist Church, where he was a charter member and served many years as a Deacon. In 1886, he affiliated with the Pyrhagoras Lodge No. 383, A.F. & A.M., and was a 32nd Degree Mason. On November 4, 1888, Dr. Mitchell married Flora Bell (August 23, 1868 – July 11, 1944). They were the parents of three children – two of whom died in infancy. The surviving daughter was Mary Mabel Mitchell Ward (January 14, 1894- December 6, 1979) In the early 1890’s, he organized the first Cassville Medical Society. Included were Drs. Mitchell, W.M. Wooten, C. Matt Sparkman, S.W. Chandler, S.A. Newman and R.B. Gladden. Dr. Mitchell built the first telephone line from his resident to Exeter and soon to Monett. Later, this became the Barry County Mutual Telephone System. In January, 1896, The Cassville community decided to link their town with the Frisco Railroad at Exeter. On March 14, the Cassville & Western Railroad Co. was incorporated with stockholders: J.M. Bay less, Mrs. M.A. Bayless, Dr. Mitchell, T.A. Miller (Aurora), J.R. Rincker (Bowling Green) and E.R. Clark (Topeka, Kansas). Capital stock was $50,000. Rolling stock consisted of two engines, a boxcar, passenger coach, and a combination baggage and passenger coach. The first Cassville & Western rain steamed into Cassville for the Fourth of July celebration, 1896. From dr. Mitchell’s obituary: “A crowd estimated at eight to nine hundred attended his services, where they affirmed he was a leader in every worthwhile enterprise for the up-building of his community. He gave Cassville their first telephone system, worked incessantly for a railroad line, and developed the stone quarry industry with a lime kiln. He gave liberally of his means and time for any civic or social improvement, as well as to the Baptist Church and its activities.” |
| Date Taken | Not Dated |
| Resource | Family Papers and Photos |
| Submitted by | Submitted in 2008 by: Glenda Ward - now deceased |
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