Landmark Designation: 1995

Architectural Style: Italianate

Construction Date: circa 1857

Nominated by: Suzanne Curry and Jim Griesel for the Rock Island Preservation Society

The house was built about 1857, presumably for occupancy by Philemon Mitchell, who had grown to wealth and prominence in the early financial and manufacturing circles of Rock Island. History relates that Philemon Mitchell and his partner, Philander Cable, arrived in Rock Island in 1856 with $80,000 in cash guarded by a shotgun between them on a train from Louisville, Kentucky. They came to Rock Island to purchase a local banking house. During the panic of 1857, instead of failing, they prospered, and eventually formed a successful banking enterprise that is now part National City Bank on 2nd Avenue and 17th Street.

Philemon Mitchell was involved in many commercial and manufacturing companies in Rock Island. Among them were the Rock Island Plow Works, Rock Island Buggy Company, and the Rock Island Children’s Carriage Works. He organized the Rock Island Stove Company and the Rock Island Glass Works, both of which were later run by his son, Phil. Philemon Mitchell was also one of the chief stockholders in the Moline and Rock Island Horse Railway, which was later called the Davenport and Rock Island Street Railway System. In addition, he was one of the principal founders of Chippiannock Cemetery. In 1896, the funds to build Memorial Christian Church at 217 15th Street were donated by Mrs. Mary Hall Wadsworth in honor of her father, Philemon Mitchell, who had passed away the previous year.

The grand home of Philemon Libby Mitchell is distinctive for its Italianate architecture and prominent tower. Few know that the home was originally built without the tower, which was added sometime between 1867 and 1886. The brick walls, decorative brackets and narrow windows are also wonderful features. The brick from this home came from Rock Island’s own Atkinson Brickyard.

The property went through few owners after the Mitchells. By 1961, the house was purchased by George and Alysine Nicholson for the purpose of a funeral home. It is now a private residence.