Mitchell, John Thomas

Mitchell, John Thomas a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born near the village of Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia, August 20,1810, and enjoyed the advantages of a good common-school education. In 1817 the family moved to Illinois, and settled near Belleville, St. Clair County. At a conference campmeeting he was converted, and shortly after united with the Church, but afterwards became careless and indifferent. In 1830 he commenced teaching school. About the same time he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and becoming deeply impressed with a clear sense of duty, he entered the ministry, April 13, 1831, at Hillsborough. In 1832 he set out for Indianapolis, Indiana; in 1837 preached at Jacksonville Station, and in 1838-39 at Springfield. In 1840 he was transferred to Rock River Conference, and by the General Conference of 1344 was elected assistant book-agent of the Western Book Concern. He died May 30, 1851. Mr. Mitchell possessed great and growing powers, combining in a very marked manner social, intellectual, and moral qualities. He was well read in theology, and had an excellent knowledge of philosophy, mathematics, and the classic languages. See Annual Minutes of the N.E. Church, 1863, page 144.