John Rodgers - Cobban Branch of Family Tree |
WILLIAM MITCHELL 1861 - 1907 |
William was born on November 13 1861 at Nelson Street Huntly.
The following information about the life of William Mitchell was taken from his obituary in the New York Union Printer.
The obituary describes William as a popular, well liked man who was regarded as one of New York's finest printers. A loveable and just man who was ever kind and considerate. William was seen as selfless, readily granting anything asked of him. He is described as a man with hosts of friends with few if any enemies. The obituary suggests William began his trade as a printer in Huntly, Scotland but moved to Aberdeen to complete his apprenticeship as the small town of Huntly had less to offer. The move to Aberdeen served him well as he turned his hand to as many aspects of the trade as he could. |
His skills were well noted and he was quickly placed in charge of the book work department. With 'wanderlust' in his blood and after a short stint in England working on the newspaper line, he moved to the United States at the age of 26.
William, or 'Billie' as he was known, initially worked on the 'Evening World' before a short move to Philadelphia. After a year, William returned to New York and the 'Evening World' where he became the head 'ad man' and within two years was offered the superintendent of the 'composing room' of the New York American. |
It was in this challenging position that William's health began to fail him. The obituary talks of William's strong character that never surrendered the hope of returning to work. However his illness was a serious one and within months, he succumbed to it. Even in poor health, evidence of his determination was seen in him refusing to allow his illness to hold him back. In fact on the day his health took a turn for the worst and paralysis struck, William was out and about.
William fathered 6 children, a daughter and three sons to his first wife and two further sons to his second wife. William was also survived by his mother Jean.
William fathered 6 children, a daughter and three sons to his first wife and two further sons to his second wife. William was also survived by his mother Jean.
Thank you to Alison Porter Great Granddaughter of William Mitchell 1861 - 1907 for this information.