MITCHELL, Greenbury B. - b. October 20, 1842 - d. June 16, 1910

[Janet Harrington]

  Greenbury B. Mitchell was born in Roanoke, Franklin county, Va., Oct. 20, 1842.  He was the younger of two sons born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Mitchell.  His early life was spent on a farm, and he acquired such education as the common schools could give.  At an early age the family moved to Indiana.  When the War of the Rebellion broke out he sought to enlist as a soldier but was rejected on account of his youth and small stature.  But he was patriotic and was determined to serve his country anyway, ,so he attached himself to an Indiana regiment and for three months did all the duties of a soldier, without pay.  Sept. 13, 1861, he succeeded in gaining his enlistment in Co. I, 30th Indiana Vol. Infantry, of which regiment the noted Gen. H. W. Lawton of Spanish war fame, was colonel.  With his regiment in the Dept. of the Cumberland, he saw much and hard fighting, notably at Vicskburg.  He served until Jan. 7, 1864, when he was discharged, but he re-enlisted the following day, and although the war closed in April, 1865, he continued in the service on the Mexican frontier until November 25, 1865, when he was mustered out as corporal of Co. E, 30th Indiana Vol. Inf., having been in the service four years, two months and twelve days.  He returned to his home and engaged in farming.

  On January 6, 1867, he was married to Magdalena Bowman, at Etna Green, Indiana.  In 1871 Mr. and Mrs. M. came to Kansas, and in March, 1872, they located in Elk-co (then Howard-co.) on a claim which they improved and which has ever since been their home.  There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living, one son living in far-away oregon, the only one of the children not present at the funeral.

  Mr. Mitchell was a man of strong constitution and good health, and not till comparatively recently did he show evidences of decline.  Last October however, he sustained injuries from a fall, from the effects of which he never recovered.  The best of medical skill and the tender ministries of loving hearts and hands could not restore health, and he steadily failed, passing away early Thursday morning, June 16, 1910, age 67 years, 7 months, 26 days.

  He was a member of E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23, G.A.R., of Howard, Kansas.  As a citizen he was universally respected, and as a neighbor and friend was beloved.

  Funeral services were held at the home the day following his death, the G. A. R. having charge, Rev. Bates officiating.  The burial was in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Howard.