Benjamin W. Mitchell, a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh Township, was born August 25, 1833, and is the son of Aaron and Hannah (Kephart) Mitchell. The father was a native of Kentucky, of Irish descent; the mother was also born in Kentucky, of Dutch descent. Our subject was born in Johnson County, and at the age of three years went to Owen County with his parents, where he remained on the farm until seventeen years old, when he came back to Johnson County, where he has since resided. He received a common school education. At the age of seventeen years he started in life for himself, as a farmer, which vocation he has continued through life. August 7, 1856, he was united in marriage to Rosannah Holeman, daughter of Truman and Elizabeth (Parkist) Holeman; the father a native of Jefferson County, Ind., of English descent, and the mother a native of Tennessee, a Yankee. The union was blessed with the following children: William A., born August 15, 1857; Aaron T., September 13, 1858;. Clara Belle, January 27, 1860, deceased; Thursa E., March 30, 1866; Archy B., born February 2, 1872; Mary Susan, October 6, 1873; George M., April 14, 1875; John D., April 7, 1877; Miles E., October 19, 1879. The mother of these children was born March 16, 1838. William A. was united in marriage with Lewetta Dunham, in 1879. Aaron T. was united in marriage with Minerva Richardson, in 1881. Clara Belle was united in marriage with Benjamin F. Rush, in 1881. Thursa E. married Willis McMurry, in 1886. In politics, Mr. Mitchell has always been a staunch republican, casting his first presidential vote for Fremont. He now owns 125 acres of fine farming land in Nineveh Township. Although he commenced without anything, he can now look back to the starting point with pleasure of knowing that he has made a success of life. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and stand among the first families of his township.