Alexander C. Mitchell, dealer in books, stationery, toys, etc., Charleston; is a native of Coles Co., being a son of James M. and Esther (Collom) Mitchell, a sketch of whom is given above; he was born in Charleston Dec. 6, 1836; until 1860, he remained on the farm, receiving a common school education. He was married Dec. 27, 1859, to Mrs. Carrie Roberts, of Charleston. In 1860, he engaged in the boot and shoe business in Charleston, and continued in that two years; the next two years were spent in farming, after which he followed the grocery business until 1876; he was engaged for a short time in the drug business, after which he entered upon his present business; he has two sons-Walter G. and Wirt A.