San Francisco County
Biographies
THOMAS F.
MITCHELL
In the death of Thomas F. Mitchell on July 3, 1931, San Francisco lost one of its most reputable citizens, a building contractor of note, and a former state senator and politician of high rank. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, March 25, 1854, and when he was eleven years of age his parents brought him with them to San Francisco. He received his education here, having graduated from the old Lincoln school, and he then became associated with his father, who was engaged in the carpentry business. Soon he became a full partner with his father, and their office was situated at the corner of Utah and Yolo streets. Eventually, Mr. Mitchell reached a position in the front rank of the city’s building contractors and, with his sons, Thomas A. and Milton Mitchell, conducted the firm known as Thomas F. Mitchell & Sons. He was much interested in the neighborhood of his home at 1370 Utah street, and in this vicinity much of the building development was done by him. He did much contracting in San Francisco, and his labors extended also to other points in northern California. He loved his work; it was an inspiration to him, and although he retired several times, he always returned to active management with the exception of his last retirement in 1925, after which he merely retained the executive position at the head of his concern.
Aside from his business affairs, Mr. Mitchell was devoted to politics. He was a democrat of the staunchest type, and he cast his vote for the first time in favor of Samuel J. Tilden. In 1884, he was elected to the democratic county commission, and was one of the most energetic workers in that body. In 1887, he was first elected as state senator, and he was reelected in 1893 and in 1895. His record in the legislature halls is one of exceeding merit, and he served his constituents with marked ability and sincere purpose.
In the year 1886, Mr. Mitchell took as his wife Miss Amelia Bothmann, a native daughter of California. Her grandfather crossed the western plains to this state in 1850. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell there were born eight children, of whom five survive. Thomas A. Mitchell is now carrying on his father’s business, in association with his brother, Milton, and like his father, has taken an active part in politics. He has served for ten years in the state assembly in Sacramento. He married Miss Adelaide Albers, and they have three children, Thomas F., George W., and Ruth. Louise D. Mitchell became the wife of Henry C. Gordon of Watsonville, California. Mabel Mitchell married Matthew Curran of San Rafael, California, and is the mother of a son, James M. Alice Mitchell, a graduate of the State Teachers College, is now one of the instructors at the Starr King School. Milton Mitchell, as previously mentioned, is associated with his brother in the management of their late father’s contracting business. In addition to his city residence, Thomas F. Mitchell maintained a country home in Los Gatos, and it was there that he died.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Mr. Mitchell was a devout communicant, belonging to St. Peter’s parish. He was a member of White Eagle Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men. His greatest pleasure in life he found in his own home, in company with his beloved family. His later years were a period of contentment and happiness in the thought that he had accomplished much during his life, had attained his ambition, and had reared to successful manhood and womanhood his five children.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 226-228.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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