Mix, Charles E.

Charles Henry Mix was born in New Haven, Connecticut, December 30, 1833, the son of Charles E. and Catherine (Upperman) Mix. He was educated in private school and by tutors, and also at Georgetown College, Washington D.C. in 1849. Additionally he received education in civil engineering from private tutors.

Mix came to Minnesota in 1852, and from then until 1854 he was a clerk at the Winnebago Agency at Long Prairie. For a time in 1854 he was also secretary to Governor Willis A. Gorman. From 1855 to 1861 he was a trader and agent to the Winnebago Indians at the Blue Earth Agency. He also had a claims business in St. Paul in 1861.

In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, First Independent Battalion, Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, to participate in the U.S.-Dakota War. He was stationed at Pembina and other posts, and was commandant of Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory in 1864. He held other military positions until 1867.

The remainder of his career was with the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railroad, and in 1879 he became station agent in Crookston, and eventually its mayor. He died in Crookston on December 15, 1909.

From the guide to the Charles H. Mix papers., 1853-1911., (Minnesota Historical Society)