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418 He began his business career without financial assistance, wholly dependent on his own energy, prudence and perseverance, meeting with many obstacles which he manfully overcame, and in 1867 became interested in the straw business with his brothers at Westborough, and entered the firm two years later.

He afterwards became connected with H. O. Bernard & Co., of Westborough, and remained until 1876, then came to Medfield for D. D. Curtis & Co. His devotion



to the interests of his employers, his skill, usefulness and executive ability commended him so highly to the firm, that they promoted him to be superintendent of their extensive works, and holding this position until 1884, he received an interest in the business.

On the death of Mr. Curtis (1885), the firm of Searle, Dailey & Co. was established, Mr. Mitchell being the resident and managing partner at Medfield, H. A. Searle and G. F. Dailey being the New York partners. The firm is to-day one of the most extensive and important houses engaged in the manufacture and sale of straw goods in this country.

Mr. Mitchell was married in Medfield, October, 1885, to Blanche E., daughter of Daniel D. and Ellen (Wright) Curtis. Of this union are two sons: Granville Curtis and Edwin Searle Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell was selectman of Medfield in 1877, but his private business led him to decline a re-election. He has been chairman of the Republican town committee for ten years, a trustee of the public library and justice of the peace since his appointment by Governor Robinson.

Although yet a young man, his position as a leading manufacturer, aided by a generous and whole-souled nature, gives him an influence and popularity in public and private affairs that few men attain in a life-time. Prosperity sits well upon him, and no worthy cause or person appeals to him in vain.

He is a Mason of high degree, a prominent member of the Odd Fellows, also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery company, the Norfolk, Home Market and Algonquin clubs.

 MITCHELL,, son of Lorenzo Dow and Hannah (Hill) Mitchell, was born in Cambridge, Middlesex county, May 8, 1844.

His early education was obtained in the public schools of Cambridge and Somerville. His first connection in business, in 1870, was with E. K. Goodall and George A. Dexter, under the firm name of Goodall, Mitchell & Dexter, wholesale dealers in butter, cheese and eggs, Faneuil Hall market, Boston.

In 1872 he became senior partner of Mitchell, Dexter & Co., commission merchants, their business ranking with the heaviest dealers in this line. He has remained in the same connection up to the present time.

Mr. Mitchell was married in Gloucester, October 22, 1865, to Annie Marie, daughter of John Cleaves and Hannah Palmer Knowlton. Of this union were four children: Annie Knowlton, Georgie Belcher, Fannie Allen, and Charles Edwin Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell was a member of the common council, Chelsea, 1878 and '79, member of the board of aldermen, 1880 and '81, serving as president of the board the latter year; mayor of Chelsea 1887 and '88, and was chairman of the Republican city committee for several years previous to 1887.

He has filled the office of chairman of the school committee, also chairman of trustees of the public library, and chairman of the board of water commissioners. He is chairman of the standing committee of the First Universalist church, member of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, F. & A. M., Shekinah 