Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell was a veteran in a Calvary regiment of the Spanish-American War and served in 1898 and was honorably discharged in 1899. He was born around July 7, 1882, to his parents Eugene Mitchell and Sallie Cobbs. He had 8 siblings as well who were named George, Mariah, Clara, Robert, Fannie and Luscious. They all lived in Lee County, Auburn, Alabama, on a farm. He died in 1963 at the age of 80. He was a house waiter in 1900 and later bus boy so he helped clean and take out trash at a hotel. After1910, he also worked as a painter, on the side. His spouse’s name was Pinkie B. Mitchell, married in 1902. With Pinkie, he had one daughter named Annie. He owned his own farm with his wife on 407 White Street and also lived with his granddaughter, Ethel Scott. Paul had boarders in his property as well, supplementing income by renting out to these individuals. He was a lifetime resident of Auburn and a clear family man, keeping his loved ones close. He passed away peacefully in his home on a Friday night. At this time, he had one granddaughter, one grandson and two great grandsons. He worked long hours to provide for his family and so that they would have a normal life. His grave is located in Baptist Hill where you can find many other African Americans who went through similar problems during this time with regards to racial discrimination and being ignored in society. The church on White Street held his funeral for the community to show respect for him and his family. He was 80 years of age on the day he died.
Contributed by Kevin and Johnathan from Auburn High School