James Mitchell was born September 22, 1917 at the home east of Medicine
     Lodge. At age two he moved with his parents, Lloyd and Coy (Axtell) Mitchell,
     and Grandpa James T. Mitchell to the ranch were he now resides (which was
     the Burton place). The original home was a converted schoolhouse.
       In 1937 James and his father united in partnership. James recalls siloing
     for the O.W. Smith ranch. He particularly remembers getting carbuncles (boils);
     however, Doc Rogers took care of that with a rusty knife.
       James was married to Wilma Davis daughter of Bert and Mable (Ross) Davis,
     in 1941. To this union Rober was born May 1, 1942, and Martha, March 23,
     1944.
       In 1942 James was called to service in WWII and served in the European  
     theater with the 14th Armored Division until October 1945. After returning
     from service he took up ranch work again.
       In 1947 he lost his wife, Wilma, and faced the possibility of raising
     the children alone; however, his mother and other relatives were most
     helpful at this time.
       Ada Lilliquist was Robert's first grade teacher in 1948. When James saw 
     Ada's picture in the Index, he told his son, Rober, he was going to take
     that "school marm" out. He did. They were engaged at Thanksgivine and
     married December 26, 1948, in front of the fireplace at her parents' home.
     Marty was flower girl and Boby was ring-barer. He dropped the ring in the
     furnace; however, it was retrieved by helpful relatives. The couple spent
     their honeymoon in New Orleans.
       Ada Lillequist was born to Walter and Matilda (Kumberg) Lilliequist,
     June 25, 1923, at their rural home between Medicine Lodge and Sawyer.
       James attended school at Sunnyside, Lake City and Kansas State University.
       Ada attended school at Pleasant Valley, Medicine Lodge, Fort Hays State,
     Kansas State University, Pratt Junior College and Oklahoma Northwestern State.
       Ada taught school at Preston, haviland, Medicine Lodge and rural Aetna.
       The Mitchells have been active in 4-H, Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation and
     other community activities. James was named leader of the year in 1971.
       Our appreciation of this community is so heartfelt since our home was 
     completely destroy by fire, December 23, 1965. Neighbors, friends and
     relatives came to our aid immediately. We were able to resume ranch life
     in a short while.
       Martha was married to Marion Dooley in 1965; they have three daughters,
     Robin, Raelyn and Amber. They live in Elk City, Oklahoma.
       Robert married Betty Joe Melkus in 1966; they have three children, Tyson,
     Coy Ann and Jodi. They live in Park Forest, Illinois.
       Those six active grandchildren keep ups encouraged.
       We are so grateful to live i this community in the United States. 
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 332 
     Submitted by: James and Ada Mitchell