John H. Mitchell (Iowa politician)
John Mitchell | |
|---|---|
| 20th Attorney General of Iowa | |
| In office January 1, 1937 – 1939 | |
| Governor | Clyde L. Herring Nelson G. Kraschel |
| Preceded by | Edward L. O'Connor |
| Succeeded by | Fred D. Everett |
| Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives | |
| In office January 14, 1935 – January 10, 1937 | |
| Preceded by | George E. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Lamar P. Foster |
| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 62nd district | |
| In office January 9, 1933 – January 10, 1937 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1899 |
| Died | April 20, 1992 (aged 92) |
| Party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) |
Ruth Jaqua
(m. 1927; died 1979)Helen McCarville |
| Children | 2 |
John H. Mitchell (November 5, 1899 – April 20, 1992) was the Attorney General of Iowa from 1937 to 1939.[1]
Early life and Education
Mitchell was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Michael Mitchell and Ruth (Howard) Mitchell.[2] Mitchell went to Corpus Christi elementary school in Fort Dodge, then graduated from Fort Dodge High school in 1918.[2] He then went to Loras College, then known as Columbia College,[1] and served in the Student Army Training Corps.[2] Mitchell switched to University of Iowa and graduated there.[1] He joined the Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities.[1]
He was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1923.[1] Mitchell practiced law in Humboldt, Iowa until 1927.[1] He then joined his father, in Fort Dodge, at his practice, Mitchell and Mitchell.[1]
Politics
From 1933 to 1937, Mitchell served in the Iowa House of Representatives and served as speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1935 to 1937.[1] Mitchell was a Democrat.[1] He then served as Iowa Attorney General from 1937 to 1939.[1] Mitchell moved back to Fort Dodge and continued to practiced law.[1]
He served as a referee in bankruptcies in the Northern District of Iowa.[2]
School Board
Mitchell served as a board member of the Fort Dodge Community School District from 1945 to 1961 and as Director of the Webster County School Board from 1961 to 1966.[2] He then served as President of the Iowa Central Community College from 1966 to 1976.[2]
Personal life
In February 1929, Mitchell married Ruth Jaqua.[1][3] They had two daughters, Martha and Jean.[3] Ruth died in 1979.[2] Mitchell remarried to Helen McCarville.[2]
He was an American Legion Commander in Humboldt and in 1927 was made the 10th District Commander.[1][2]
Mitchell died in Fort Dodge, Iowa from cancer in 1992.[3][4]
Legacy
A dormitory at Iowa Central Community College is named Mitchell Hall in his honor.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "John H. Mitchell" (PDF). Iowa Official Register. p. 121. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Stevens, Walter B. "Longtime Attorney John Mitchell dies" (PDF). pp. 6–7.
- ^ a b c "John H. Mitchell". Iowa Legislature. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ 'Longtime attorney John Mitchell dies,' The Fort Dodge Messenger, Walter B. Stevens, April 21, 1992, pg. 1, 2