Alexander Mitchell

Biography

Alexander Mitchell (October 17, 1817 – April 19, 1887) was a Scottish-American immigrant, banker, railroad financier, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a major contributor to the early economic development of the city of Milwaukee and was president of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company Bank and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. He also served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing southeast Wisconsin from 1871 to 1875. He commissioned and is the namesake of the historic Mitchell Building in downtown Milwaukee. Mitchell's wife, Martha Reed Mitchell, was a notable philanthropist; her brother was Harrison Reed, the Reconstruction era governor of Florida. Mitchell's son, John L. Mitchell also served in Congress and became one of Wisconsin's U.S. senators. John Mitchell's son, Billy Mitchell, was a United States Army Air Service general and played a critical role in the establishment of the United States Air Force. Billy Mitchell is also the namesake of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Bio from Wikipedia