Background
David Dawson Mitchell was born in Louisa County, Virginia.
David Dawson Mitchell was born in Louisa County, Virginia.
Entering the fur trade at St. Louis in 1828 as a clerk in the employ of the American Fur Company, he was first assigned to the "Ioway Outfit" and in 1830 was transferred to the "Upper Missouri Outfit, " with which he remained during the rest of his fur-trading career. He built Fort Mackenzie in 1832, amidst dangers and difficulties that appeared insurmountable. In 1835, he became a partner in the establishment, but after his marriage in 1840, a retired army officer, landowner, and speculator he settled down in St. Louis. He was appointed a superintendent of Indian Affairs, central division, in September 1841, and held this office, with one interval, almost continuously until 1853. At the beginning of the Mexican War, he entered the volunteer service as lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Missouri Regiment, organized and commanded by Sterling Price. He afterward served under Col. Alexander Doniphan, and was conspicuous in the battles of Brazito and Sacramento; Doniphan's report commended him for bravery. When money was needed to purchase army supplies for the campaign to open communication with General Wool, Mitchell, being a handsome and conspicuous officer, flattered the notorious gambling-house queen, Señora Tules, by escorting her to a fandango in Santa Fé, and borrowed from her a large sum of money for the use of the army. He led the advance in the subsequent campaign, taking Chihuahua and then marching on to join Zachary Taylor near Saltillo. On February 10, 1847, shortly before the battle of Sacramento, Mitchell impressed into service some traders, their men, wagons, teams, and equipment. Although he was acting under orders from Colonel Doniphan, his superior officer, a final judgment of $95, 000 was rendered against him after the war on account of this incident. Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury, made February 27, 1851, Congress voted to pay the judgment on his behalf. Mitchell remained in the army for several years after the war and was again made superintendent of Indian Affairs in 1851. Early in 1855, he promoted the organization of a corporation known as the Missouri and California Overland Mail and Transportation Company, which he served as president for several years.
As a tribute to his meritorious service, the fort built by Leclerc in 1833 was named Fort Mitchell. He was a second to Gov. Benjamin Gratz Brown in the famous Brown-Reynolds duel of 1856. In 1858, he supplied the United States government with a large number of mules for the Utah Military Expedition.
Mitchell was a man of culture as well as ability. His battles with the Indians marked him as a leader of great courage and resource.
In 1840, Mitchell was married to Martha Eliza Berry, a daughter of Maj. Taylor Berry. Six children were born of this marriage. Then, he married Martha Eliza Berry Mitchell.
1814 - 1 June 1879
Died on 9 April 1854.
3 August 1844 - 18 April 1928
13 February 1847 - 9 March 1910
13 December 1841 - 2 December 1903
20 May 1848 - 17 September 1900
