Robert Mitchell (Wisconsin politician) facts for kids
Robert Mitchell (born June 22, 1826 – died June 21, 1899) was an American doctor and farmer. He lived in Douglas Center, Wisconsin, and was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for one term. He belonged to the Republican Party.
Early Life and Education
Robert Mitchell was born in Moravia, New York, on June 22, 1826. He studied medicine and became a doctor. He graduated from Geneva Medical College in 1845 and the University of Buffalo in 1850. Besides being a doctor, he was also a farmer.
Moving to Wisconsin and the Civil War
In 1857, Mitchell moved to Wisconsin. Before that, he had lived in Iowa for a few months and California for three years. He started his medical practice in Portage City, Wisconsin.
During the American Civil War, Mitchell served as a military doctor.
- He was an assistant surgeon for the 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment for two years.
- He was present at important battles like the Battle of Perryville and the Battle of Stone River.
- Later, he became the main surgeon for the 27th Wisconsin Volunteers.
- He was involved in the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry and the siege of Mobile, Alabama.
After the war, Mitchell returned to his medical practice in Portage. In 1869, he moved to Douglass in Marquette County and became a full-time farmer for some time.
Public Service and Politics
Robert Mitchell was active in his community. He served as the chairman of the town board in Douglass. A town board is a group of people who help manage the local government of a town.
In 1874, he was elected to represent Marquette County in the Wisconsin State Assembly. The Assembly is part of the state's government where laws are made.
- He received 776 votes, beating his opponent, Neil Dimond, who got 654 votes.
- In the Assembly, Mitchell was part of several committees.
- He led the committee on the militia (a group of citizens who can be called to serve as soldiers).
- He also served on the medical societies committee and a joint committee on claims.
Mitchell tried to be re-elected to the Assembly in 1876 but lost. He ran again in 1879 as a Democrat but was not elected.
For many years, Mitchell worked for the United States Pension Department in Portage. He was on the Board of Examining Surgeons, helping to review claims for military pensions. He kept this job even when different political parties were in charge of the national government.
In 1893, he moved back to Portage. Robert Mitchell passed away there on June 21, 1899, one day before his 73rd birthday.
