Henry ("Uncle Billy") Mitchell
1883 - 1958
The Mitchell family is the sole family of former slaves whose lineage is documented and archived at Emory University. Billy Mitchell, a skilled electrician, plumber, brick mason, nurseryman, and concrete worker, served as the chief janitor of EmoryCollege for most of the first half of the twentieth century.
His maternal grandparents were Cornelius Robinson, a Native American slave born around 1836, and Ellen Robinson, an
Ellen Robinson
African American slave, both of whom were slaves of Alexander Means. Cornelius served Dr. Alexander Means, the fourth president of the college, as his valet and Ellen was Mrs. Means’s lady’s maid. The Robinsons were allowed to maintain their own household in a small house behind the main house at Orna Villa, which is still standing to this day. After emancipation, the Robinsons formed an independent household, which, by 1870, consisted of themselves and five children: John (b. 1853), Cora (b. 1857), George (b. 1859), Sarah (b. 1861) and Thaddeus (b. 1867). Sarah would later marry Robert Mitchell, the son of Thomas Mitchell (who was enslaved by Bishop James Andrew, the first president of Emory College’s Board of Trustees) and they would become the parents of Billy Mitchell.
Billy Mitchell married Mabelle Shields, the daughter of Jack and Emma Shields, and had three children: Maggie, Sarah Frances, and Robert.
Billy Mitchell married Mabelle Shields, the daughter of Jack and Emma Shields, and had three children: Maggie, Sarah Frances, and Robert.
Mitchell was held in high regard by everyone in the community as well as at Emory College, where he faithfully served for 53 years. No matter how late the time or how cold the temperature, Billy could be counted on in any emergency to “set things right.” He would even accompany the track team to intercollegiate meets to look after the equipment and give rub-downs to the team. He was known for his high mentality, keen sense of humor, and optimistic outlook. He was sought out by students and faculty alike for his rare wisdom and down-to-earth common sense.
Mitchell left a legacy that survived long after the man. In 1966, the Class of 1913 dedicated a tree and a bronze plaque in front of Few Hall to honor “the memory of Bob Hammond and Billy Mitchell, who together contributed 95 years of faithful and efficient service to Old Emory.”
Mitchell left a legacy that survived long after the man. In 1966, the Class of 1913 dedicated a tree and a bronze plaque in front of Few Hall to honor “the memory of Bob Hammond and Billy Mitchell, who together contributed 95 years of faithful and efficient service to Old Emory.”
