Alexander Mitchell (Wisconsin politician)

Alexander Mitchell (October 17, 1817 –April 19, 1887) was a Scottish-born banker, railroad financier and Democratic politician in Milwaukee.

Early life
Mitchell was born in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the son of Margaret (Lendrum) and John Mitchell, in 1817 and immigrated to the United States in 1839. He pursued a career in banking in Milwaukee, and founded the Marine Bank of Wisconsin.

Business career
Mitchell was president of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway from 1864 to 1887. With fellow director Jeremiah Milbank (1818–1884) he built this railroad into one of the most profitable in the United States, and Mitchell became the wealthiest person in Wisconsin.

Political career
Mitchell represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the Forty-second United States Congress. After redistricting he represented Wisconsin's 4th congressional district in the Forty-third United States Congress. He was nominated for Governor of Wisconsin by the Democratic Party in 1877, but he declined to run.

Curling enthusiast
He was an avid curler, and helped popularize the sport in the United States. Mitchell helped found the Milwaukee Curling Club in the 1840s, and he was elected patron of the Grand National Curling Club.

Death and burial
Mitchell died in New York City and was buried at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Legacy
Mitchell owned a mansion across the street from the Milwaukee County Courthouse, which is now the site of the Wisconsin Club.

The Historic Mitchell Street neighborhood was named in his honor, as was the city of Mitchell, South Dakota, incorporated in 1881.

The Mackie Building, which was constructed by Mitchell as an investment property, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Mitchell Building, which he also built, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well.

His papers, along with those of his son John, are in the archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Family
Mitchell was married to Martha Reed, sister of Harrison Reed, who served as Governor of Florida during Reconstruction. Mitchell's son, John L. Mitchell, was a Congressman and United States Senator, and his grandson, Billy Mitchell, was a United States Army officer prominent during the early days of military aviation.

The Villa Alexandria estate was located in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida.