One of the largest and best known commission houses in this city and one which has attained a wide recognition as one of the most substantial industries located here is that conducted by Mr. J. V. Mitchell, whose main plant is located at 116 South Main Street. This business is devoted exclusively to the handling of poultry, eggs, butter, produce, etc., at wholesale only. The highest cash prices are paid for produce and the volume of business can be better understood when it is stated that from fifty to sixty car loads of eggs and poultry are shipped from here to the eastern markets annually. Mr. Mitchell is also the inventor and manufacturer of the Mitchell Poultry Coop, a durable poultry coop whose merits have gained for it a popular place among the owners of and dealers in chickens. 12,000 of these coops are manufactured and sold annually each with varying options and chicken coop prices. This business was established in 1900 and has grown to large proportions, showing a decided increase with each succeeding year until at present 10 to 12 capable employees are required and two floors 25×140 feet are occupied. Mr. J. V. Mitchell, the enterprising and progressive proprietor of the establishment, was born in Pennsylvania in 1850. He received his education in Pennsylvania, completing a business course at Eastman’s Business College. Previous to establishing this business he was engaged in the general merchandise business for sixteen years very successfully. Mr. Mitchell came to Ottawa nine years ago or at the time this business was established. He is well known in social and financial circles of the city as an alert business man of exceptional business qualifications. He is a member of the M. W. A., and president of the Occidental Mutual Benefit Association, with headquarters at Salina, Kansas. He is treasurer of the First Baptist church and treasurer of the Ottawa University.
Source: Ottawa Kansas Souvenir c. 1909-10
Name of Business: Mitchell, J. V.
Current Address: 116 S Main
Date Business Began: 1900