Confederatevets.com

The end of a useful and beautiful life came with the passing of John D. Mitchell on August 1, 1922, at Cleburne, Tex. The ranks of Confederate veterans lose another true and loyal member.

John D. Mitchell was born in Abingdon, Va., July 29, 1843, and was seventy-nine years age three days before his death. He was the son of John D. and Eliza F. Mitchell. When the war broke out between the States he cast his lot with the South, and served four years in the Confederate army. He enlisted and was sworn into the service on April 25, 1861, and his company was sent to Richmond and was known as Company H, 37th Virginia Infantry. In October, 1861, his regiment was sent to Stonewall Jackson at Winchester, in the Valley of Virginia, and remained with Jackson until his death in May, 1863. Gen. Richard Ewell was then put in command of Jackson's Corps, and was commander until the end. Mr. Mitchell was in most of the battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. At Bloody Angle he was captured with the remainder of Jackson's old Division, was takne to Fort Delaware, and held as prisoner of war until after all the armies of the Confederacy had laid down their arms, being released some time in June, 1865. He returned to his home in Virginia, later going to Texas, where he spent the remainder of his life. He joined the Masons in 1866, and was one of the early members of the Cleburne Lodge.

On March 19, 1879, he was married to Mrs. Eugenia Bertt Surratt, of Marshall, Tex., who proved an ideal wife and helpmeet. She and their four children survive him-three daughters and one son. The most beautiful sid of his nature was shown in his home, in relation to his mother as long as she lived, to his wife, and to his children. His life was a benediction to the worls, and will remain an inspiration to those who knew hime well. He had been a faithful member of the Methodist Church for many years, and discharged with fidelity his duty as a Christian. He was universally loved and respected by his friends, and they are all saddened by his going.

A true and tried soldier and patriot has passed to his reward. His bronze badge of honor as a Confederate soldier rests upon his bosom as he sleeps in the Cleburne Cemetery awaiting the last bugle call.