- MED-243
- Family
- [ca 1835-1967]
James Mitchell (1805-1861), and Mary (nee McEwen) (1807-1878), were born and raised in Scotland. They had seven children, four of which emigrated to Canada. In 1882, James (1835-1900), Robert (1841-1920), and sisters Margaret (1849-1941), and Janet (1851-1938), settled in Regina. James and Robert began a livestock business and Margaret and Janet, opened a chinaware and stationery shop. James married Isabella (nee Bonella) and they had 11 children: James (died young), William, James (Jr.), Robert, Isabella, Mary, Jessie, John, Bryce, Margaret, and Alexander. Robert and his wife Elizabeth (nee McFarlane) had 7 children: Robert Jr., James, Elizabeth, Henry, Margaret, Mary and Janet. In 1887, the Mitchell brothers moved their stock west to Elkwater Lake. James homesteaded at the site of the present day resort and Robert a few miles further west at Fly Lake. They had their bull pasture on the "bench" and herded their cattle at Medicine Lodge because the snow was too deep at the ranch site near the lake. James and Robert divided their partnership in 1892, and Robert moved first to Gros Ventre Creek, and later to a ranch north of Medicine Hat which became known as the Z-T Ranch. In the early 1890's he opened a meat market and packing plant in Medicine Hat. James and 2 of his sons, Robert and Alex, went to South America in 1897, to establish a livestock business there. James died while returning home for his family and was buried at sea. His son Robert, remained in South America but son Alex returned in 1937. Margaret and Janet Mitchell, moved west to Medicine Hat when the brothers left Regina. They had opened a stationery and fancy goods store on South Railway Street in the early 1890's. They carried on business until 1908, when they sold out to Charles S. Pingle, a local Druggist. Both ladies were active members of St. John's Presbyterian Church. James' son, James Jr., founded the LA Ranch in 1897. It is located in the far southeastern corner of the province straddling a range of bald hills south of the Cypress Hills. It was a 50,000 acre ranching empire that lasted for 70 years. James Jr. married Izzette (nee Foster), an interior designer who was born in Medicine Hat and educated here and in New York. They had 4 children: James Foster, Isabella Bonella, Janet Margaret and Bryce Leslie. James ran the LA Ranch until his death; the family living in the original log house which was added to over the years. When it was time for the children to attend school, Izzette moved to town. The LA Ranch site is now part of the Flying R, operated currently by the George Ross family. Izzette, in addition to her duties on the ranch, found time for many activities. She was a member of the International Business and Professional Women's Club, Past President of the Registered Interior Desigers Institute of Alberta, Past Director of Beta Sigma Phi, Past President of the Toastmistress Club, Past Director of the Medicine Hat Y.M.C.A., member of the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce, the Western Stock Grower's Association, the Alberta Farm Women's Union, the Women's Literary Club, the Canadian Club and the Liberal Club. In 1990, she was presented with an Honorary Membership in the Chamber of Commerce. Robert (Sr.) bought the V Ranch north of Maple Creek in 1909. His son, Robert (Jr.), helped his father on the ranch. He married Ida (nee Sykes), and they had 5 children: Robert, James, Phillip Benjamin "Ben", Harry and Francis. In 1939, the V Ranch was sold to the P.F.R.A. and Robert (Jr.) moved his family to Medicine Hat. He entered other ranching ventures with his son Jim. Their company, the Mitchell Ranching Co., operated from 1946 to 1967. Phillip "Ben" (1917-1984), married Eleanor (nee Dixon) and they had 4 children: Phillip, Clifford, Mary and Susan. He studied Aeronautical Engineering in Calgary and California and served in the Air Force during World War II. From 1945 until they retired to Maple Creek in 1967, they lived on the Battle Creek Ranch.