Alonzo T. Mitchell, of Shirley, Piscataquis County, one of the oldest and most popular guides in the State of Maine, son of William and Nancy (Shorey) Mitchell, was born in this town, April 21, 1837. His grandfather, Samuel Mitchell, one of the first settlers in Shirley, died in this town. William Mitchell, born in Plymouth, Me., and also one of the first settlers in Shirley, followed a trail marked by blazed trees in coming to the town. He was a millman and a merchant, and was engaged in trade here for a number of years. In politics he was a Republican. He was Postmaster here for an extended period. In religious belief he was an Adventist. He died at the age of seventy-three. His wife, also a native of the Pine Tree State, died at the age of seventy-five. They were the parents of five children, namely: Charles F., who lives in the West; Julia E., the wife of L. Troy, of Shirley; Alonzo T., the subject of this biography; Samuel, residing in Guilford; and Henry, residing in Shirley.
Alonzo T. Mitchell was reared and educated in Shirley. He has been engaged in agriculture for a great many years. For some time he also managed a sportsman’s camp at Indian Pond. In 1889 he built Camp Caribou, one of the best camps on Indian Pond, conveniently located in a section abounding with game and fish, and well equipped with boats and other accommodations for sport. Mr. Mitchell has acted as a guide for several years, though he was not licensed until July, 1897. One of the best men in his calling, he is well known among the sportsmen who frequent the hunting-grounds of Maine, and has many warm friends. He was married January 6, 1865, to Dorcas Shorey, a native of this town. Four children have since blessed the union, namely: Linwood L., who lived but four years; Alphonso C., now the station agent at Shirley; Anna, now the wife of Mark T. Simpson, a blacksmith of Shirley; and Ida M., residing in this town. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican. He has held all the offices within the gift of the town, and has served on the Board of Selectmen for many years.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.