William Mitchell was born at Beattock on the 26 April 1836, the second child of George Mitchell and Jean Ferguson. His siblings were Walter (22 July 1833), George (29 November 1838), Thomas (2 January 1841) and Jean (9 October 1843).

Martha Jane Borthwick was born at Moffat on the 19 December 1838, the oldest child of Lawrence Borthwick and Joan Thorburn. Her siblings were Walter (7 December 1840), Elisabeth (19 October 1842), Jane (3 August 1844), Margaret (15 February 1847), Robert (25 December 1848), Marianne (26 March 1851) and Joan (2 June 1853).

Martha and William were married in 1857. They had nine children, all born at Kirkpatrick Juxta, Dumfries, Scotland; Jane, Joan, Georgina, Lawrence, Thomas, Walter, William, Robert and James.

1) Jane Mitchell was born the 24 November 1857 to Martha and William Mitchell.

2) Joan Thorburn Mitchell was born the 4 January 1860 to Martha and William Mitchell. She was married twice. 1) ? Kardee from Langholm. 2) Jim Alderson from Carlisle. No children.

3) Georgina Mitchell was born the 24 June 1861 to Martha and William Mitchell. She married ? Green from Annan. Their children were Lawrence, Walter, Tommy, Bob, John, Sis and Lil.

4) Lawrence Tweedie Borthwick Mitchell was born the 28 April 1863 to Martha and William Mitchell.

5) Thomas Wilson Mitchell was born the 3 June 1865 to Martha and William Mitchell. Thomas was killed as a soldier in the Boar War.

6) Walter Mitchell was born the 22 August 1867 to Martha and William Mitchell. He married Margaret ?

7) William Mitchell was born the 8 July 1869 to Martha and William Mitchell. He was not married.

8) Robert Borthwick Mitchell was born in Annan Scotland the 6 July 1871 to Martha and William Mitchell. He married Isabella Johnston in February 1897. Isabella was born the 14 May 1873 in Ellenville, Cumberland, England. Robert died in 1934. Isabella died the 4 February 1958. They had six children; Lawrence, Isaacina, Robert, John, Isabella and Francis.

9) James Borthwick Mitchell was born the 28 February 1873 to Martha and William Mitchell. He was not married.

10) Liz Mitchell to Martha and William Mitchell. She was married to ? Thompson. Their children were Meg (married ? Shaw), Bess, Jess, Joan.