[2] In his youth, Charles B. Mitchell moved with his parents to Pontotoc County, Mississippi, where his father owned a plantation.

[2] When the Civil War began, Mitchell set aside his studies and enlisted in the Confederate Army.

[2] He was shortly discharged due to a physical disability, but later rejoined and served until the end of the war.

[2] After the Civil War ended, Mitchell returned to Pontotoc County, Mississippi, where he studied law under Colonel C. B. Fontaine and was admitted to the bar.

[8] At the time of his death, Mitchell was also serving on the board of trustees of Mississippi Industrial Institute and College.