My Genealogy Hound

A. P. Mitchell, the well-known postmaster and merchant, of Traskwood, Ark., is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., on December 3, 1845. His father, Dr. Alphonso Franklin, a native of Iredell County, N. C, born November 6, 1816, moved to Tennessee when quite young, and remained there until 1851; he then came to Saline County, Ark., and is now residing three and one-half miles from Benton. He is one of the prominent and popular physicians of the county. His wife, whom he married December 19, 1844, was formerly Sarah Ann Phillips. A. P. Mitchell was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools of Benton, later on spending one year in school at Chatfield Point, Tex. The year 1871 witnessed his marriage to Miss Nancy H. Hawkins, a native of Arkansas and the daughter of J. H. Hawkins, one of the old settlers of Saline County. To this union were born the following children: John F. (born February 7, 1872, teaching in the public schools of Saline), William A. (born January 28, 1874, also a teacher), Alphonso C. (born July 16, 1877), Mary H. (born July 28, 1879). And Frederick (born May 28, 1881.) In the winter of 1889 Mr. Mitchell was bereft of his wife, and September 10, 1889, he married his second and present wife, Mrs. Rachel Hawkins, the widow of John Hawkins. In 1881 Mr. Mitchell was appointed postmaster at Traskwood, and is still holding the office, having also filled the position of deputy postmaster ever since it was established in 1874. In 1877 he erected a mill and cotton-gin, which he has been successfully operating since that time. With his drug and general merchandise, milling and farming pursuits, it would seem that he could not do justice to them all, but he certainly does, and has proved himself equal to anything he undertakes. He owns 700 acres of fine land, with over 100 in an excellent state of cultivation. The school board realize him to be one of their influential members, and he was justice of the peace for some years. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Baptist Church, and the former is a member of Fair Play Lodge No. 32, A. F. & A. M., also being identified with Benton Lodge No. 1319, K. of H. Traskwood realizes in Mr. Mitchell one of its most enterprising and influential citizens, and one who is always ready to support all church and school matters.