Merrell Alford Mitchell, son of Elza and Hannah Mitchell, was born in Willis Springs, Howell county, Missouri, on September 10, 1892.  He departed this life September 23, 1930, at Phoenix, Arizona.

He was united to marriage to Anna Hyler in Los Aminos, Colo., on July 16, 1919.  To this union were born three children, Beatrice, Junior and Betty Jean.

He leaves to mourn his death besides his wife and three children, his mother, Mrs. Hannah Mitchel of Hamilton County, Illinois, four brothers, Wilford of McLeansboro, Ill., Arthur of Boyd, Ill., Erastus of Mt. Vernon, Ill., and Dewey of Centralia, Ill., and two sisters, Effie Taylor of Dalton City, Ill., and Della Smith of Chicago, Ill.

Merrel was a World War veteran, having served in the Navy for twelve years.  He was a member of the McLeansboro Post of the American Legion, and he served as its commander before he left for the west in search health.  Merrel had been in poor health for several years, but through it all, he was very hopeful.  He did not complain.  He faced life as a good soldier and this made him many pals, many of whom were present at the last rites to pay their respects to a fallen comrade, whom they loved.

Merrell made peace with God, being converted at Knights Prairie Baptist Church in the year of 1922, and he united with that church.  He later united with the First Baptist Church of McLeansboro.  When his health would permit, he was an active member of the Agoga Class of the First Baptist Church, and he will be missed by the boys and friends in the class.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church of McLeansboro, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. R. Evans, assisted by Rev. D. H. Knight.  Interment was made in the Knights Prairie cemetery with the American Legion in charge.