John Ames Mitchell

Biography

John Ames Mitchell, born in 1845, co-founded Life magazine and guided it with a witty yet respectful editorial voice that celebrated both the arts and the pressing ideas of his day. A trained architect as well as an editor, he combined aesthetic judgment with a belief that good journalism should both entertain and uplift.

Mitchell also pursued painting and travel, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes, and he supported causes that broadened horizons for young artists. He died in 1918 and lies in Fairlawn Cemetery, where admirers remember a creative force who championed thoughtful storytelling.