David A Mitchell II

Biographical Summary:

David A. Mitchell (1836-1891), was born June 18, 1837, the son of David A. Mitchell and Marian McKenzie Mitchell. His father met a tragic death and later his mother married a man by the name of Whitaker. Young David served as an apprentice at the shoe making trade for seven years. He mastered the art of shoe making in every detail from the measuring of the foot, cutting the leather, to the

finishing work. While working at his trade he met Christiana Frost whom he later married. Three children were born to them in South Africa, Elizabeth born May 1, 1850, Port Elizabeth; Marian born September 4, 1860, and Amelia born 1862.

About this time the Latter-day Saint missionaries came to the town where they were living, preaching the Gospel to the people in this vicinity, which they received and were baptized; the mother, in 1858, and the father in 1860. The spirit of gathering was upon them and they left Africs and went to Utah much to the disapporval of their people. They crossed the plains in an independent company in 1863. Along the way the baby, Amelia, died. When the family arrived in Utah they settled in Payson, where David A. built a home for his family and worked at his trade of shoe making. Ten more children were born to this couple. He was active in the building of Payson and spent much time in Church work. Christiana sold her beautiful clothing and jewels to purchase food for the family during those first years. She was a talented musician.

David A. Mitchell died at his home in Payson, Utah March 9, 1891, at the age of fifty-three years.

SOURCE: Written by Nora Mitchell Hiatt.; "Treasures of Pioneer History", Vol. 6, page 284

Resources:

http://books.google.co.za/books?id=Ns9vmKdWDkoC&pg=PA1687&lpg=PA168...

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/source/1,18016,4976-5804,0...