JOSEPH MITCHELL was born January 17, 1848, in what is now Webster County, Ky. He is a son of Joseph B. and Sarah E. (Barnes) Mitchell, natives of North Carolina. January 1, 1840, they immigrated to Union County, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. The father died October 25, 1871, aged fifty-four. The mother was born January 5, 1818, and is now living with her son Joseph, who was reared on this farm. In youth the latter received a good common school education, and is well informed on all topics of the day, he now owns this farm, consisting of 146 acres, about one-half of which is improved. He is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 1039.