James “Jim” R. Mitchell, FPOC

GEDCOM Note

The Mitchell family were Free Persons of Color. James Duncan is listed in the August 1870 Census as Mulatto and living in Allensville Twsp. His occupation is "tobacco roller". His wife, Louisa is shown as 7 yrs older and also listed as Mulatto. Louisa would have been 6 months pregnant at the time. No children are listed as their first child was not born until the following November. Louisa's family also FPOC with NA Mixed ancestry. </line><line /><line>The 1880 census shows the entire family using the Mitchell surname instead of Duncan. On the 1850 Census, James is listed as James R Mitchell along with his siblings and mother. They were free persons of color since they are listed by name on the census. No relationship is shown with the head of the household but James P Duncan was his natural father. Jim and his brother married sisters, Louisa and Fisher Lavinia. </line><line /><line>James middle name is in dispute as well. Some family sources say his middle name was Alexander but all records located show R as the middle initial. I did see a reference to an Uncle Alex by one of the nephews on their draft card. Curious. </line><line /><line>It was confirmed by Roger Parrish that this James Duncan and my grandfather are one and the same. He is from the Louisa side of the family tree. His family info was that James 2nd wife was in fact Annie Street. Roger has the wrong photo attached. </line><line /><line>James also served in the military and was enlisted in Phil. Point, LA. His records list him as dark hair, hazel eyes and ruddy complexion. According to cousin Enid, he was light enough to pass but did not as he liked dark women. His occupation in this record is shown as blacksmith.</line><line /><line />