battle, in Henrico County, where his parents lived, his father being a coachman and his mother a seamstress. In Richmond, Va., he first attended school, through the push of his mother, his instructor being Rev. A. Binga, D. D., now pastor of the First Baptist church of Manchester. Under this teacher he advanced rapidly, until in 1876 he entered the Richmond normal school, graduating from the same some years afterward. He is regarded as a natural born artist. His work has been highly commended by Senator William Mahone, Hon. B. K. Bruce, Senator John A. Logan and Hon. Frederick Douglass.
His desire for the newspaper life, which has been his most prominent public service, seems to have begun when he cried The State Journal upon the streets of Richmond as a newsboy. In 1883 he was the Richmond correspondent of The New York Freeman, and December 5th, 1884, The Planet was placed under his editorial survey, which he has kept revolving until this day.
The Planet was in a very precarious condition when Mr. Mitchell took charge. Since that time he has made it an indispensable possession to the people of Virginia. He has so perfected his plans, that The Planet may continue its revolutions without undue shock or disturbance. Since he has had control he has put in a Campbell cylinder press, which is run by an electric motor; also job presses, and the office is lighted by electricity. This is all due to Mr. Mitchell's energy and power to manage.
He has the reputation of being the gamest Afro-American editor upon the continent. His forte as an editor is to battle against the outrages perpetrated upon his people in the South. In doing this he has encountered many dangerous obstacles and undergone many daring risks. His efforts as a newspaper man caused his election to the Richmond city council in May, 1888. He is also vice-president of the
