JOHN MITCHELL, JR.
Mr. Mitchell secured the release of Isaac Jenkins in 1893, the colored man who was beaten, shot, and hanged, but still lives. His last great feat was the saving of the lives of the three Lunenburg County women, who were charged with the murder of Mrs. Lucy Jane Pollard, near Fort Mitchell, Va. Governor O'Ferrall used the troops of the State to prevent their lynching, and editor Mitchell employed Hon. Geo. D. Wise, Hon. A. B. Guigon, and Hon. H. W. Flournoy to defend them. The women—Pokey and Mary Barnes and Mary Abernathy—were acquitted and now reside in this city.
The Richmond Planet continues its crusade against these outrages.
In February, 1897, the present building, in which the plant is now located, was purchased, and with the improvements cost $5,000. The presses, type, engine, stereotype outfit, cost $4,000. The office force consists of fifteen persons.
J. C. FARLEY.
J. C. Farley, the well-known colored photographer of Richmond, Va., was born in Prince Edward County, Va., August 10, 1854. He came to Richmond in 1861 and engaged in the bakery business. He entered the photographic establishment of C. R. Rees & Co. in 1872. He left there and labored in the service of Mr. G. W. Davis, with whom he remained until 1895. It was while there that he became the operator, his rare talent winning for him commendation and promotion from his employer. He has been for years one of the most accomplished photographers in the South, his work ranking with that of the best artists in this country and Europe.
MR. J. C. FARLEY.