David Dawson Mitchell

David D. Mitchell (July 31, 1806 – May 23, 1861) was an American fur trader and regional superintendent of Indian Affairs at St. Louis. For his service during the Mexican–American War, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was the defendant in a freedom suit filed by Polly Berry for her daughter Lucy, who was owned by his wife Martha Eliza Berry's family before she was taken to the Mitchell residence.

Early life David Dawson Mitchell was born on July 31, 1806, in Louisa County, Virginia.

Fur trapper Mitchell began his career as a fur trapper in 1824 at St. Louis, Missouri. He worked at some point for the Ioway Outfit of the Western Department. The couple suffered from the loss of their two infant children and Henry's alcoholism. Mary filed for divorce in 1845, citing her husband's drinking habit, severe temper, and abusive language. Mary withdrew the suit after Henry enumerated her faults. They agreed to stay married, but lived separately. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in the city. His tombstone was demolished in 1951, as were many tombstones.