Roy E. Mitchell
A man of many talents, Roy E. Mitchell was best known for his interest in steam engines and his extensive collection of musical instruments.
Mitchell was one of the founding fathers of the Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana in 1947, as well as being a founding member of the Rush County Steam Threshing Association. He was instrumental in bringing threshing rigs to the county fair, including his own pride and joy - one of the oldest Garr-Scott (sic) rigs in existence at the time.
His interest included making smaller models of the big rigs, as well as collecting pictures of the steam threshers in action. He also built model trains. One of the Mitchell-made steam engine models is on display at the Gowdy House Museum in Rushville.
Mitchell was well-known as a band leader and was said to have such a large collection of old band instruments that he could outfit several bands.
He was director of the Rush County Historical Society and spent much time searching for relics of historical value for the museum.
The son of Dan and Mae Ford Mitchell, he was born Feb. 28, 1884, at New Salem and was associated with the Pinnell Tompkins (sic) Lumber Company and its successor, Metzger Lumber Co., for 28 years.
He was an active member of the Main Street Christian Church, where he had charge of the musical devotions and was president of the Men's Bible Class.
A past president of the Kiwanis Club, he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Mitchell served as secretary-treasurer of the Rushville Boys Club for several years.
This historian, steam engine enthusiast, band leader, and hobbyist died suddenly on Dec. 15, 1949. He was survived by his wife, Ruth Benedict Mitchell; son Dan Mitchell; and one granddaughter. Mitchell is buried at East Hill Cemetery, almost within sight over the years of the annual Pioneer Engineers Reunion.
This article ran in our local newspaper, The Rushville Republican, on June 8. 2001. It was written by Jan Voiles, journalist and history buff. We thank her and The Republican for helping keep the memory of Mr. Mitchell and his contributions to our community alive.
Please visit The Rushville Republican's online version at www.rushvillerepublican.com