Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1887 — A BUSY LIFE ENDED. [ARTICLE]

A BUSY LIFE ENDED.

Alexander Mitchell, the Milwaukee Millionaire, Expires in a New York Hotel. Bronchial Troubles and Heart Disease Cause His Death, Which Is Bather Sadden. [New York special. I Alexander Mitchell, President oE the Chicago, Milwaukee 4 St- Paul Railroad, died at his rooms in the Hoffman Houses in this city, on Tuesday afternoon. He had been been gradually losing strength, for two months, but the illness which resulted in his death began only a week agoMr. Mitchell some months ago determined to withdraw from active business pursuits, and Dec. 1 last, accompanied by Rev. Dr. Kean, his old pastor, he started from Milwaukee in his private car for a trip to his winter home, in Florida, whither Mrs. Mitchell had gone 6ome time before. At his magnificent place, “Villa Alexandria,” just at the head of the St. Johns River, he devoted himself to the pleasures of a winter resort, spending much time ont of doors and getting far more exercise than he had ever had before. Yet, although he seemed to be in the best of spirits, he steadily lost flesh. He had always been one of the most methodical of men, and the change told on him. Three weeks ago Mr. Mitchell and DrKean left Florida, reaching this city April 2, and going immediately to the Hoffman House. Two days later Mr. Mitchell complained of feeling unwell and developed feverish symptoms, but he soon recovered and was able to go down town, although the feverish condition returned at intervals. His son, John L. Mitchell, had joined him in the meantime, and with his son and a a party of friends Mr. Mitchell heard Patti sing at the Metropolitan Opera House last Wednesday night. Sitting in the front of the box be was probably exposed to a draft, for before the last act he complained of illness and left the opera house. So weak was hewhen his carriage reached the hotel that he had to be assisted to his room. After that he never left his bed. Dr. Edward Bradley, bis physician, found that he was suffering from a malarial trouble and bronchial pneumonia, from which he failed to rally. He sunk into a state of coma Monday evening and never recovered consciousness. Death resulted ffomasphyxia, caused by bronchial pneumonia.

Alexander Mitchell was born Oct. 18, 1817, in the parish of EJlon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father was a farmer, and the early days of the future financier were passed in tho same avocation. For two years he studied law at Aberdeen, and then went into a bank at Peterhead and remained there until he came to Milwaukee in May,, 18:19, when, in company with George Smith, of Chicago, ho organized the Wisccnsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company, an institution that was in reality a bank., although not called one on uccount of the law then in force. The bills of this company were the only reliable paper currency the Territory had for many years, 'yet despite the times every dollar was redeemed when 1 resented. It is as a managt r and promoter of railroads that the deceased was best known to the world, he having been for years at the head of the Chicago, Milwaukee and Bt. Paul Company, a corl>oraticin that controls more miles oi road than any other iu the world. Politically Mr. Mitchell was originally a Whig, then he joined the Republicans in electing Lincoln and prosecuting the war, afterward joining with the Democrats in support of President Johnson. Since then his party Bent him to Congress in 1870 and 1872, and would have continued him there had he not declined further office. Ho was one of the delegates that nominated Mr. Tsiuen, and was one of his most ardent supporters. Iu 1879 the Democrats wanted him to be a candidate for Governor, but ho declined. Mr. Mitchell is survived by a wife, a son, John L., an adopted daughter, Mrs. Dr. Mackie of this city, and a sistei* and brother living in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Mr. Mitchell s estate is variously estimated at from $15,000,000 to 525,000,000.