James Mitchell (Methodist minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Mitchell
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| Born | September 14, 1818 |
| Died | March 2, 1903 |
| Nationality | American |
Reverend James Mitchell (September 14, 1818 – March 2, 1903) was an important religious leader. He also worked for President Abraham Lincoln as the United States Commissioner of Emigration. After the American Civil War, he founded a school in Mount Zion, Georgia.
Early Life and Beliefs
James Mitchell was born in Derry, Ireland in 1818. He moved to America in the 1830s. He became a Methodist preacher in Indiana. There, he started supporting two important ideas: abolitionism and colonization.
Abolitionism meant wanting to end slavery completely. Colonization was the idea of helping freed slaves move to new colonies outside the United States. In 1848, Mitchell worked for the American Colonization Society in Indiana. This is how he first met Abraham Lincoln.
Working with President Lincoln
On August 4, 1862, President Lincoln chose James Mitchell to be the Commissioner of Emigration. His job was to help set up new places for freed slaves to live outside of America.
Mitchell helped organize a meeting at the White House on August 14, 1862. Lincoln spoke to a group of African American leaders there. Lincoln talked about the differences between races. He suggested that it might be better for both groups if freed slaves moved to other places.
Life After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, Mitchell returned to his work as a Methodist minister. In 1877, he moved his ministry to Mount Zion, Georgia. There, he founded the Mount Zion Seminary. This school was the beginning of what is now Mount Zion High School.
Mitchell was the director of the Seminary until he died in 1903. In his later years, many reporters and guests visited him. They were interested in his connection to President Lincoln. This was because most of Lincoln's other friends and co-workers had already passed away.
