Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/507

 Adelaide and vicinity 481 Mr. Samuel James Mitchell, LL.B. IT was one of the P2arl of Beaconsfield's favorite beliefs that a person with brains could achieve whatever he willed. The laws of destiny were not altogether obscure to him, but actions, he demanded, must be embraced to help destiny. By work and study and observation, strenuous and sedulous, the yoal could be reached. We now and then discover in our midst examples which tend to give testimony to these conclu- sions. It is so in the case of Mr. Mitchell, who, when beyond the usual period at which men generally seek to learn a profes- sion, devoted himself to the study of the law, and made himself a master of it. There have been other similar e.xamples in South Australia — notably Mr. J. M. Stuart ( Crown Solicitor ) and the late Mr. Ash, M.P. Samuel James Mitchell was born at Mount Barker, South Australia, in 1852, and was educated at Mitton's Academy, Adelaide, and at other private schools. Uijon leaving school he went to Port Augusta, where he entered into commercial pursuits, eventually establishing himself there as an auctioneer. He seemed to be admirably adapted for this avocation, at which he flourished. He gained a sub- stantial connection, and became, besides, one of the leading public men of the northern port. He was for some years a member of the Port Augusta Council, and for two years occupied the mayoral chair, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace. While pursuing a successful career as an auctioneer, Mr. Mitchell determined to fulfil his long -cherished wish and become a lawyer. Although above the normal age for embarking in this profession, he was bent ui)on carrying out his intention. Coming to Adelaide, he articled himself to the firm of Messrs. H. ¥.. & H. ¥. Downer, arranging, however, for the privilege of being allowed to attend the University in the pursuance of Stump <^ Co. J Photo