History of Carroll County, Indiana with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches; Chicago, Kingman Brothers, 1882 – page 259

ROBERT MITCHELL

The subject of this sketch was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 2, 1823, died January 3, 1878. His parents who were old residents of Ohio moved to Carroll County November 4, 1837, and located on the farm just north of Delphi yet owned by his widow. In his boyhood he was deprived of the educational advantages enjoyed by the youth of the present day, but for this deficiency there was ample compensation in the possession of good judgment, interminable energy and an unyielding determination to succeed in whatever was undertaken. March 15, 1843, at the age of twenty, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Shaw. Immediately after his marriage he moved to what is now known as the Greenup farm, on Deer Creek Prairie, where he lived about two years. Thence he moved to Howard County, where he remained until March 1845, when he returned to the old homestead. In 1872, he was elected Sheriff of the county, and so faithfully and well did he perform the duties devolved upon him that he was re-elected in 1874. At the expiration of his official relations to the county he returned to his farm where he spent the remainder of his days. For several years prior to his death he had been an active member of the firm of Hubbard, Harley & Co., lime manufacturers and also was a stockholder in the Delphi Lime Company. These interests with those of his farm, proved lucrative and he rapidly accumulated money. It was easier, however for him to make money than to save it because of his practical acceptance of the doctrine that "it is better to give than to receive." He was a veritable "Man of Roses" among the poor, and scattered his benefactions with an open hand. Perhaps no more fitting tribute to a noble manhood, such as he possessed, can be recited than the following, written by a friend at the time of his death: "He was the embodiment of all that is generous and honest, and if, indeed, he had a besetting fault, it was an unbridled spirit of charity. His heart ever heeded the appeals of the sorrowing, the homeless and the poor, and his benefactions were scattered with generous hand. His charities were not on the highways of life, but along its dark and devious by paths unseen of all save Him, who searcheth the hearts of men." He was for many years a member of Carroll Lodge No. 174, I.O.O.F., and was also a member of Carroll Encampment No. 22.