Alexander Mitchell was born in Ellon on October 17, 1817, he was a Scottish born banker, railroad financier and Democratic politician in Milwaukee, America. He immigrated to the United States in 1839. He pursued a career in banking in Milwaukee, and founded the Marine Bank of Wisconsin. He was president of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway from 1864 to 1887. With fellow director Jeremiah Milbank he built this railroad into one of the most profitable in the United States, and Mitchell was considered the wealthiest person in Wisconsin. He represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the Forty second United States Congress. After redistricting he represented Wisconsin's 4th congressional district in the Forty third United States Congress. He was nominated for Governor of Wisconsin in 1877, but he declined. He was an avid curler, and helped popularize the sport in the United States. Mitchell helped found the Milwaukee Curling Club in the 1840s, and shortly before his death was elected Patron of the Grand National Curling Club. He was married to Martha Reed, sister of Harrison Reed, who served as Governor of Florida during Reconstruction. Mitchell's son, John L. Mitchell, was a Congressman and United States Senator, and his grandson, Billy Mitchell, was a United States Army officer prominent during the early days of military aviation. He was an avid curler, and helped popularize the sport in the United States. Mitchell helped found the Milwaukee Curling Club in the 1840s, and shortly before his death was elected Patron of the Grand National Curling Club. Alexander Mitchell died on April 19, 1887, in New York City and was buried at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day.
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