Blogger’s notes:

Of course I have pictures, but this time I also have a collection of notebooks, letters, and newspaper clippings that my mother collected. In addition I have a 40 page memoir of the Mitchell home and family life in St. Cloud, Minnesota during the late 1890’s and early 1900’s written in 1957 by Mildred Smith. She is the second daughter of William Bell Mitchell, my grandfather’s older brother, so she personally knew many of the family members in this blog post. Many of her observations are priceless! Now I can weave these resources into my story along with my family pictures.

Whoops! How could I?!?! I have a “Little Sister” – Ann Mitchell Wheeler-Bartol, (1947 – ). I neglected that little detail in my first post. I’m also able to add my half-brother Ned B. Wheeler (1937 – 2011). So in this post I’ve changed from “my” to “our” and will include Ann throughout. I’ll pull Ned in when I return to the Wheeler side of the family.

(Ever the academic and librarian, I’ll use quotes with abbreviated citations sufficient to locate my sources in the family scrapbook compiled by my wife Robin.)

Our mother’s Mitchell branch of the family tree.

Here’s a second diagram of my family tree, this time the elders on my mother’s side. Again I have pictures of most of my relatives shown on this branch, plus the resources from the scrapbook and Mildred Smith’s memoir.

Our great-grandparents.

Lewis DeLaittre Jr., 1821 – 1909; Amanda (True) DeLaittre, 1834 – 1905. (Shown in the top, rightmost box.) Unfortunately I do not have pictures of everyone. I have no pictures of my mother’s maternal great-grandparents, Lewis DeLaittre Jr. and Amanda Melvina (True) DeLaittre. Nor do I have any information about them beyond the bare Ancestry.com report. I will pick the family up in the next generation but for now, sadly, I have to move on.

Henry Zehring Mitchell, 1816 – 1896. (In the middle box on the right side) Great-grandfather Henry Mitchell is the start of this story. I’ll only note that he came from a large family. Mildred Smith describes him, “Grandfather was the one with a sense of adventure and after the age of forty when he had the responsibility of a family of five children with another expected, he decided to seek his fortune in the West. He came to Minnesota to look over the country and was so pleased with what he saw … that he contracted for the building of a house at St. Cloud, ” He arranged for his family to join him. (Mildred Smith, Memoirs, 1957, p. 1. Hereafter noted as MS, p. 1).

Elizabeth (Cannon) Mitchell, 1821 – 1910. Elizabeth married Henry in 1839 at age 18. I imagine her strength. In 1857 she brought her 6 children – including my grandfather, a baby less 1 year old! ” . . . by steamer up the Ohio River and down the Mississippi from April 1 to May 6, landing at St. Anthony Falls.” (MS, p. 2) “[Grandmother Elizabeth] loved real books. Reading history was a passion all through her life. … She encouraged the children to read but never anything frivolous.” (MS, p. 3)

Their home. I believe this is the original Mitchell home in St. Cloud – the notation on the back reads, “Grandmother Mitchell’s St. Cloud” but we don’t know who made the notation nor when. A newspaper clipping showing a similar looking house notes that ” . . . the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. H. Z. Mitchell used to go to ‘Grandmother’s Garden’ for a visit on Sunday afternoons.” If so, this house was built under my great-grandfather’s direction in 1857. I’d think this was a mansion of the time.

Great-uncle and great-aunts first!

Ada DeLaittre, 1853 – 1926. Ada DeLaittre is not shown on my diagram. She is the older sister of our Grandmother, Rizpah DeLaittre. I have her picture and I want to show it because I know our mother was named after Ada DeLaittre. Our mother’s birth certificate and early passports show she was named Ada DeLaittre Mitchell. After her marriage, mom’s later passports show she changed her first name to Adade and became Adade Mitchell Wheeler. I suspect she was often called Adade as child. Notations on the back of a couple of pictures sometimes refer to mom as Ada de Mitchell with the space but no “Laittre.” In this picture of great-aunt Ada, I see a wonderful warmth and gentleness in her face.

William Bell Mitchell, 1843 – 1930. Our great-uncle is on my chart in the lower right hand box. That box lists the names of the children of our great-grandparents Henry and Elizabeth. William Bell was the oldest child, our grandfather’s older brother. He was 14 years older. This picture was taken in Pennsylvania. Mildred Smith, the author of the memoir I quote frequently, was his oldest daughter and writes of her father, “The social life was simple. Reading room, society, church, tea parties, picnics. Besides being editor and publisher of the Republican weekly paper, father had many other activities. Receiver at the land office, resident director of the state normal school, and trustee of the church.” (MS, p. 22)

William Bell Mitchell home – the William Bell Mitchell house in St. Cloud where Mildred Smith was raised. “How mother, with six children, no bathroom, no furnace, no electricity nor even gas and few ready made clothes managed to achieve the orderly, comfortable, happy household that we were, remains a mystery.” (MS, p. 22)

As I read Mildred’s memoir I’m struck with the traditions of the times. So I will quote without comment:

“Mother had some money when she was married but it was at once put under father’s management and she had no further interest in it.

“The duscussion (sic) of money was never heard the “cost” of things never was emphasized, the “quality” always ways.

“Mother didn’t have a check book nor a bank account. She “charged” what she bought. Monthly accounts from the local market and stores and from the St. Paul “Fields” and “Mannheimer” where she made frequent trips to bring back yards of “cloth”, dozens of childrens coats and hats, underwear, stockings, and her own dresses and bonnets. She asked father for money for the cleaning, washing helpers, and the maids and for the eggs and butter women who came to the house and it was needed.” (MS, p. 22)

There is so much more in her memoir – hopefully Megan and Annie, Jake, and Rachel will someday enjoy it as I have.

Mary Cannon (Mitchell) Burbank, 1845 – 1928. Our great-aunt was the second child of Henry and Elizabeth Mitchell. The notation on the back says, “Mary Burbank (Mitchell) (Cissy).” According to Mildred, “Aunt Mary was deeply interested in politics as well and never hesitated to express her view in the most positive terms declaring, “I’m not arguing, I’m telling you!” (MS, p. 24)

Unfortunately, I’m out of pictures. I will pass over my grandfather’s other siblings – James, Jane, and Henry – and let others tell their stories according to their resources and interests.

Now, my grandfather

Charles Sumner Mitchell, 1856 – 1922. Our grandfather was the youngest child of Henry and Elizabeth Mitchell. Mildred writes that “Henry’s (Halsey 1853 – 1859) death at age eight (sic) was a deep sorrow to them all and Charles Sumner grew up to be the apple of their eye.” (MS, p. 9) Later she adds, “He was the most delightful uncle who ever was born ….” (MS, p. 9)

He was definitely a dapper young man.

Here, a more formal portrait. This picture was made in Alexandria, Minnesota most likely soon after he became editor and publisher of the Alexandra Post in 1894. Less dapper, he has gained position and stature.

Elora (Thompson) Mitchell, 1864 – 1901. The notation on the back of the picture below says, “Charlie Mitchell (L) & 1st wife. (I think the notation says (L) but I’m not sure – notations are often problematic!) So I believe Charlie and Elora are the couple on our left; in either case, they were obviously well prepared for Minnesota winters.

Charles married Elora in 1884. “Her [Elora] debut was in Washington where her father sat in the House of Representatives. … Always gay and gracious bringing pleasure where ever they [with Uncle Charlie] went and so happy with each other.” (MS, p. 9) Their life must have been difficult. Mildred writes, “Their baby son, John, died when only a few weeks old and their daughter Elizabeth was only seven years old when her mother died of diabetes (before insulin).” (MS, p. 9)

Aunt Betty – my first hero

Elizabeth (Mitchell) Bacon, 1892 – 1978. I want to take time to introduce my Aunt Betty. Here she is pictured with her mother Elora. (According to the notation on the back, in about 1902. Again a problematic notation that is almost certainly wrong.) I see the strength in Aunt Betty’s eyes. That strength was just one element in her personality that made her one of the major influences in my life.

Aunt Betty, perhaps age 15? Again the eyes …

Here Aunt Betty is, holding my mother. This would be 1910 – Aunt Betty is 18.

Aunt Betty traveled the world – by herself. She served with the YWCA during WWI in France. Here she is in Paris – the picture was made by a noteworthy photographer of the time.

From there she went to Italy. She visited China. She taught in the Philippines – then returned to Europe via Moscow and Siberia. Here she is in China. Aunt Betty is in front and writes, “Mrs. McCoy with whom I live is in the rickshaw behind.”

Here Aunt Betty is with a long procession of school girls in Manila – she’s indicated by the “E.” on her dress. On the back, a long notation states, “Elizabeth & three others being the only white women permitted in the parade.”

I have other pictures – too many to include them all. We particularly love a long series of pictures made as she trekked the Pacific Crest Trail, probably in the early 1920’s. That series of pictures and other stories are in our scrapbook. In due time, Aunt Betty became the Art Director for the Akron City Schools. Here is one of her drawings.

My memories of Aunt Betty

I remember so many impressions of her. I took this picture (developed and printed it myself in a university photo darkroom) in her New York apartment, probably about 1966.

She always welcomed me. No matter that in 1965 my parents had commanded me to return home from Europe. She paid my return airfare. Talked about me repaying her but I never did. On my return, bearded, unkempt, worn jeans and leather jacket the doorman wouldn’t let me in. So I slept in the lobby alcove until she could come down and get me. Upstairs, she learned I had a dime. Period. So she gave me a $20 bill. “I suppose I should get a haircut.” She answered, “Why?” I happily spent the money listening to music in a club in the Village that night!

I had a full tuition academic scholarship – it wasn’t enough with my father out of work and my sister starting college. Aunt Betty had been supporting my college living expenses. But she warned me before I left for a “not in our plans for you” trip to Europe that she would withdraw that support. She did. On my return, and on subsequent visits, she would pass me a twenty but I was on my own – even though I was always welcome at her apartment and we always had lively conversations that influence me to this day.

Our grandmother

Rizpah (DeLaittre) Mitchell, (1876 – 1935). Grandfather married Rizpah in 1903. She looks so young in her graduation picture in 1894 – she’s 18. To my eye, totally unschooled in the history and culture of the late 1800’s, there is no hint of the future I’ll show you in the next sections.

I’m unsure of Rizpah’s age in the picture below. Almost certainly she is quite young; I’m sure this picture was also taken before her marriage.

Blogger’s note: This brings up the almost complete lack of photographer’s name, location and date on these pictures. There are few notations on the backs of these pictures. On some images which do have notations, the information is unreliable. Dates are wrong; names are incomplete or misspelled according to the event documentation assembled in ancestral databases. I’ve done the best I can and will happily correct errors if someone will help me out.

Look back at these two pictures as you read the section, “The grandmother I never knew.”

The young family in Duluth

Ada DeLaittre Mitchel (1910 – 1982). Grandfather became editor of the Duluth News Tribune in 1906. (He continued to edit and publish the Alexandra Post news as well.) He probably moved his family to Duluth about that time. My mother was born in 1910 in Duluth and this picture of “Charlie,” Rizpah, and Ada – my mother – is one of my favorites.

As is this picture of Rizpah and Ada.

I don’t know if mom was a very happy baby or if the photographer’s skill captured a rare moment!

C. Scott Mitchell (1911 – 1987). I can relate to Uncle Scott! I never realized he had the same problem that I have: he has a first name which is the same name as his father. He has to be called something else. So in some documents I find “Charles Scott Mitchell,” the name he used on his wedding certificate. Other places I see simply “Scott Mitchell.” In the only census form I can find in which he wrote his own name, it’s “C Scott Mitchell.” Since that was my final answer (“F Barry Wheeler”) I’ll title him C. Scott Mitchell but use Uncle Scott in my descriptions!

Their home in Duluth, 1912 – 1917. The original notation on the back reads, “27 Kent Rd. home from 1912 to 1917.” A more recent notation explains that it’s a relatively recent picture – perhaps in the 1950’s. If the notations are correct, Grandfather moved the family to Duluth sometime before mother’s birth in 1910 and moved into this home sometime after Uncle Scott’s birth.

Now, after looking at the various pictures – tell me who is this? My guess in Rizpah with my mother Ada but sometimes I see Uncle Scott.

Again, I have no idea who is in the carriage, but Rizpah was obviously well prepared to take the children out in cold, snowy weather.

Again, mother Ada or Uncle Scott?

Such perfect children!

I suppose there is a picture of Ann and me as well-behaved, perfect children, but these are ridiculous! I can only marvel at the photographers’ skill!

A second picture from the same session – I want to see the rejects!

Such beautiful children! So perfect.

And again – beautiful and perfect!

This is getting old – although I see some redemption in my mom’s big smile while Uncle Scott appears a little grumpy.

One last image of the perfect duo …

Much later these two pictures were taken and mounted in a leather binder frame. This pair has been displayed in my homes for years. I have never been able to achieve their perfection in grooming and dress!

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A final couple of pictures of mom!

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A brief excursion to Washington, D.C.

In 1920 Grandfather became editor-in-chief of the Washington Herald and moved the family to Washington, D.C. My mother told me, but I have no documentation, that grandfather was offered the position and encouraged to move to Washington because of his Hoover-friendly editorial positions.

Rizpah Mitchell, possibly 1920-1922? Again, a picture without any documentation or notations. So I allow my imagination to think that the pearls and dress represent her during the heady years in Washington.

Unfortunately, they were in Washington a little less than two years before my grandfather died of a heart attack. I have only this Christmas card from President Hoover as a memory of this short time.

The grandmother I never knew

Mrs. Charles S. Mitchell, date unknown. Rizpah moved the family back to Duluth in 1922. She thrived there and came into her own over the next years.

She traveled, studied. An example of the brochures and newspaper clippings in our scrapbook collection.

“Mrs. Mitchell has recently returned from abroad. In addition to travelling (sic) in England, on the Continent, and in Russia, where she studied the social, economic, and political condition of the nations most prominent in World affairs, Mrs. Mitchell made a special study of conditions affecting women. She interviewed many of the prominent women of Europe and secured their views on the problems women are facing today.

“For many years Mrs. Mitchell has been giving courses of lectures on current affairs in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth, until these courses have become an acknowledged part of the cultural life of these cities. Two years ago she made a western tour, speaking before large audiences of women interested in contemporary affairs in the principal California cities.

“In addition to her experience as a lecturer, Mrs. Mitchell has an extensive journalistic background. For several years she lived in Washington, D.C. where her husband was editor of the Washington Herald and where she was actively engaged in editorial work.

Lecture brochure in family scrapbook

Mrs. Charles S. Mitchell, date unknown. Portrait used for her announcements: Mrs. Charles S. Mitchell, Lecturer on Current Affairs.

One of an actual announcement …

And a final picture … She died 9 years before I was born. I would loved to have known her.

Mom – the young woman I never knew

Ada DeLaittre (Mitchell) Wheeler, (1910 – 1982). Adade. I thought I knew my mother well – I could imagine her as a child and spent many hours with her as I grew up. But now I have pictures of her teenaged years and of her venturesome years after college. I suspect that she tried to save me from my excesses – by never letting me know she had her adventurous years too. I study the expression on her face and remember the days when she told me to put on warmer clothes suitable for the Chicago winter.

Look at the arched eyebrow in this high school picture.

Another picture of mom in high spirits. I suspect I can see a glimmer of my own self here!

A wonderful newspaper clipping – again I ask that you look at her eyes.

And now as the young woman about town. The Chicago years, about 1932 to 1942.

While Uncle Scott was obviously of the same lineage – those eyes. Well-groomed and impeccably dressed.

Less dressy perhaps, but she has a joy of life as she looks into the camera.

And finally – I suspect this picture was taken during her years working at Marshall Fields in Chicago. A young woman about town. I would love to have palled around with mom in our heydays!

We’ll move on now …

As I write this it’s “cold” in Raleigh. Perhaps now you can understand why I miss real cold – and snow!