J. E. Mitchell

J. E. Mitchell (1876–1953) was an African-American publisher known for his newspaper, the St. Louis Argus.

Early Years and Personal Life
The fourth of eight children, Mitchell was born on August 1, 1876, in Coosa County, Alabama, to a farming family. As a child, he often worked in his father's sawmill. In 1898, he joined the United States Army and served with the 24th Infantry Regiment. In 1901 he married Mattie E. Thomas. In 1904, they settled in St. Louis, Missouri.

Career
In 1906, Mitchell formed an insurance company, the Western Union Relief Association. In April 1912, Mitchell, along with his brother William, began the St. Louis Argus. Mitchell served as publisher and managing editor and his brother served as the business manager.

Honors
Mitchell was enshrined in the National Newspaper Publishers Association in 1978.