Dr. Louis B. Mitchell

Dr. Louis B. Mitchell Dead - Dr. Louis B. Mitchell died at his home in this city Wednesday morning at 10:10 o'clock, after a painful illness of about two weeks. Dr. Mitchell was the oldest physician in Brinkley and the next oldest in the county. He was born in Monroe County, Ky., Feb. 6, 1828, and was therefore nearly 79 years old. He was educated at Bethel College, Milan, Tenn., and then attended the medical department of the Tennessee University, graduating honorably in 1858. Shortly after graduation he came to Arkansas, locating in White County. Later he moved to Lonoke County and was elected to the Legislature, serving his county with credit the term of 1873-4. Sometime after this, he edited a paper at Austin. Notwithstanding these undertakings, Dr. Mitchell never gave up his chosen profession - the study and practice of medicine - but ardently pursued the course laid out in early life. As a natural consequence, he met with good success. His esrnestness, ability and a kind, winning personality brought him numbers of life-long friends. The deceased served his country faithfully in the Civil War. At the commencement of that memorable struggle, he joined the 25th Arkansas Regiment. Afterward he was given charge of the 4th Arkansas Battalion and later of the 2nd Dismounted Rifles, with whom he remained until the struggle was over. The writer has known Dr. Mitchell for the past sixteen years, and has loved him as a most worthy friend and citizen. During a great portion of that time the Doctor was actively engaged in the practice of his profession in which he ranked high. He was beloved by the younger memvers of his profession who appreciated his efficiency and knowledge as a skilled practicioner. Doctor Mitchell was a member of the Brinkley Masonic Lodges and his funeral on Wednesday afternoon at Oak Lawn, conducted by the Masons, was the largest attended Masonic burial ever in Brinkley, which testified of his high standing in that splended order. He was a member of the Christian Church, but there being no resident pastor of that church here, Rev. J. G. Harris, of the Baptist Chruch, conducted the religious services. The doctor leaves a wife, three daughters - Misses Mamie and Clyde and Mrs. D. S. Coleman, all of this city - and five sons - James, of Fort Smith; Fred, of Texarkana; Carl, of East Prairie, Mo.; H. C. and Ralph of this city. (A picture was included with this obituary.)