Robert & Elizabeth Mitchell and their family

Updated 6 March 2022 - details of George Ellis Cooke

Updated 9 July 2016 - add photo of 22 Regent Place.  Updated 17 June 2015, updated 21 June 2015 with photographs of the silver marks.
Updated 25 June 2015 to correct the spelling of Jaques (incorrectly spelt as Jacques)

Another rush job, I am afraid, as I want to keep up the regular posting but I have not had time this week to work on my next 'installment'. Edward is still attempting to distract me when I should be working on his parent's story. I was going to produce a quick timeline for Edward today but it is proving more time consuming than time available so I shall have to cheat and focus on what I was supposed to be doing.

Back in March 2013, I took a 'writing your family history course' presented by Brian Drescher via Pharos Tutors. One of the outputs from the course was to start drafting your family history story/book. What follows is what was produced at that time. At least it gives me a framework with which to work later when every branch has been drafted and bound.

The Family of Robert and Elizabeth Mitchell

Robert Mitchell first shows up in Birmingham documents in 1803 when he appears in the Chapmans Birmingham Trade Directory. He is listed as Robert Mitchell, Toymaker of Mary Ann Street. He was also lodged under Watch Chain maker. 

Add a screen shot?

It has not been ascertained when Robert married Elizabeth or where either of them originated from but they went on to have ten children together. According to their ages at the time of their death, Robert would have been 22 in 1803 and Elizabeth would have been 23 when their first child was born.

It has not been established if Robert is related to the Samuel Mitchell, a Jeweller as shown in the Trade Directories of 1791 and 1798 (at Navigation St and Hill St respectively). It would also be useful to know who Mitchell & Co, Jewellers of No3 Vauxhall Street were as listed in the 1785 Pye Birmingham Directory.

Robert and Elizabeth's first known child, William Mitchell, was baptised at St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 14 July 1803. (Again does this add weight to the possible marriage in August 1802. Baptisms traditionally take place 6 weeks after birth so that would make the date of birth c end May/beginning of June 1803. Nine months pregnancy would make the conception c end August 1802 which fits in nicely with the possible marriage in London on 19 August 1802). Robert Mitchell [jnr] followed and was baptised in the same church this time on 14 February 1805. A little girl, Ann Eliza came next and was baptised, also at St Phillips, on the 18 November 1806.

Add History of St Philips Church Birmingham and a photograph?

The Bull Street Quarter of the ?Rates? book covering the period 1807-1809 shows Robert Mitchell taking over the premises of James Luckook next door to the famous Silversmith S Pemberton. By 1808 Robert appears in Holdens Triennial Directory Vol 2, Part 2, as a Silverbox, Pencil, Spectacles & Toymaker in General at Snowhill. On the 29 September 1808, Charles Mitchell was born and was baptised at St Philips on the 21 January 1809.

A rattle, apparently made by Robert Mitchell, and registered in 1812 appeared on the internet.

Back to family matters, Thomas, who along with his sister Elizabeth, was baptised on the 15 October 1812 at St Philip's.

In May 1813 Robert Mitchell registered (where explain what this means) his mark as R.Mitchell & Co with the mark M&Co.

The entry from the Register of the Birmingham Assay Office:

Robert Mitchell & Co (Late of Pemberton & Son)
No trade given
Snowhill,Birmingham
Mark registered May 6th 1813
Sponsor's mark is M&Co in Times New Roman script contained within an oblong with right-angled corners.

According to The Goldsmiths' Company - Thomas Pemberton and Robert Mitchell entered a joint mark as small workers at the Assay Office in Goldsmiths’ Hall on 21 July 1813. Thomas Pemberton signed for Robert Mitchell by virtue of power of attorney. Thomas Pemberton had entered his own mark as a gold worker some years earlier (18 August 1807). New marks were entered on 9 June (the month ‘May’ is crossed out) 1826. All three entries had the address ‘Snow Hill Birmingham’.

The mark is apparently TP over RM. (need to find source)

In 1815 Robert was made a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office. This honour would remain until his death.

Add photograph of the Assay Office?

Add information about the role of the Guardians

The following notice appears in the London Gazette published on Tuesday, 14 February 1815.

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership lately subsisting
between Thomas Pemberton, Robert Michell [sic],
and Thomas Bishop, Jewellers and Silversmiths, carrying on
trade at No. 98, Hatton-Garden, Holborn, London, and afterwards
at No. 6, Thavies-Inn, Holborn, London, was dissolved
this day by mutual consent, as far as regards the said Thomas
Bishop : As witness the hands of the parties this 10th day of
February 1815.

Thomas Pemberton.
Robt. Mitchell.
Thomas Bishop.

In December 1816 Robert and his partner register a joint mark of Pemberton & Mitchell with the mark TP/RM. TP on top of RM.

Add photograph of the mark

The next baptisms would not take place until five years later, when on 21 November 1817 Henry, Edward and Emma were baptised together. Sadly, Robert and Elizabeth buried their ten year old son, Charles, on the 1 December 1818 at St Paul's Church. Charles' death was followed swiftly by the death of his brother, Thomas, who was buried, presumably alongside him, on 23 December 1818. He was just 7 years old. Their abode for both entries in the burial register is shown as Small Heath. It is interesting that whilst the children are all baptised in St Philip's, the burials take place at St Paul's. Add speculation – family grave?

Add History of St Paul's Church Birmingham, it's importance to the JQ and a photograph

In 1818 Robert has many entries in Wrightson's New Triennial Directory of Birmingham. He is listed as Robert Mitchell, Snowhill. More importantly he is listed under several categories, namely, Jewellers, Silversmiths, Thimble Makers, Gilt Toy and Watch Chain Makers, Merchants under the name Pemberton, Samuel, Son, and Mitchell.

The Northampton Mercury on the 17 April 1819 reported the following:

IMPRISONMENT IN THE COUNTY GAOL -
John Hawkesford, for stealing in Birmingham,3 watch cases, the property of Thomas Pemberton and Robert Mitchell.
John Payton, for stealing in Birmingham, a quantity of silver, the property of Thos. Pemberton and Robert Mitchell.

Interestingly, on the same page it also states:

IMPRISONMENT IN THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION

John Bayliss, for stealing, in Birmingham, three ounces of scrap silver, the property of William Robinson and James Allport.

On 9 June 1820 Julia was born (possibly in Snowhill) but she wasn't to be baptised until 20 February 1835 on the same day as her younger brother Alfred. 

A notice appeared in the London Gazette on Tuesday, 13 February 1821.

The Partnership heretofore carried on between Thomas Pemberton and Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Jewellers, Silversmiths and Watchmakers, under the firm of Samuel Pemberton, Son, and Robert Mitchell, has been dissolved by mutual consent. — Witness our hands this 9th day of February 1821.

Thomas Pemberton.

Robt. Mitchell.

THE Partnership heretofore subsisting and carried,on
between Thomas Pemberton and George Ellis Cooke, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Jewellers and Factors,
hath been this day dissolved by mutual consent.— Witness our hands this 9th day of February 1821.

Thomas Pemberton.
George Ellis Cooke.

The Partnership heretofore subsisting and carried on
between Thomas Pemberton, Robert Mitchell, and,
George Ellis Cooke, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
Jewellers and Factors, hath been dissolved by mutual,
consent.—Witness our hands this 9th day of February 1821.

Thomas Pemberton.
Robert Mitchell.
George Ellis Cooke.

Pictures of the mark can be viewed here.

Information found from 1824 suggests that on 9 February 1821 Thomas and Robert enter into a new partnership; with James Allport of New York, America.

On 23 May 1821 Robert registered another mark with the Birmingham Assay Office.

Robert Mitchell, silversmith of St Paul's Square, Birmingham, registered a mark on 23 May 1821 - RM

The entry from the Register of the Birmingham Assay Office:

Robert Mitchell
Silversmith
St Paul's Square,Birmingham
Mark registered May 23rd, 1821
Note dated March 27th 1822 states 'Removed to Bishopsgate Street'.
Sponsor's marks are RM in Times New Roman script with no surrounding shape, and RM in Times New Roman script contained within an oblong with right-angled corners.

This mark is includes the Birmingham Anchor and the letter Y which indicates that is it 1822. However, the RM letters do not appear to be 'within an oblong with right-angled corners'.

According to The Goldsmiths' Company - A Robert Mitchell, described as a smallworker, entered a mark on 4 September 1821 from 5 Jewin Street, Aldersgate Street, and a second mark on 22 May 1823. 

The Birmingham Assay Office holds a Silver Snuff Box with gilt interior. It's mark indicates it was made by Robert Mitchell in 1822. It is described as a 'rectangled box, the lid engraved with floral motifs on a matted ground with central square cartouche inscribed SP to CJ. Slightly moulded border with engraved wavy band. Scrolled thumbpiece. Sides with engraved scale pattern between two bands of dots. Base with alternate plain and simple patterned bands, with central engraved floral motif.'

As we now know, in 1822 he had 'removed' to Bishopgate Street. Alfred had been born on 5 October 1822 (possibly at Bishopgate Street). The Birmingham Assay office holds a snuff box made by Robert Mitchell which was registered at the Assay Office in 1822. The markers mark (?) shows Robert was at St Paul's Square, Birmingham. 

Another snuff box, pictures of which were taken off the internet, was also registered by the Birmingham Assay Office in 1822.

By 1823 Wrightson's Birmingham Trade Directory and Triennial Birmingham Directory show Robert Mitchell as a Jeweller of 30 Bath Row. 

I understand from a exhibition that was held (when?) that James Walker Ltd has a silver wine label from 1823 with the maker's mark RM; which I take to be Robert Mitchell. It was described as, 'Rectangle label, the deep border pierced and engraved with vines. Inscribed BUCELLAS. On a chain.'

The Law Advertiser for the year 1824 listed, for January 3, Partnerships Dissolved in the Country.

PEMBERTON Thomas, Robert Mitchell, and James Allport, Birmingham, and of New York, America, merchants and glass button manufacturers....................................................9 Feb. 1821

PEMBERTON Thomas, of Birmingham, and James Allport, of New York, America, merchants ....................................................23 Mar. 1823

Further details are given in the London Gazette on 3 January 1824.

THE Partnership subsisting and carried on between
Thomas Pemberton, Robert Mitchell, and James Allport,
of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, and of
New York, in the United States of America, Merchants and Manufacturers
of Glass Buttons, was this day dissolved by
mutual consent. — Dated this 9th day of February 1824.

Thomas Pemberton.
Robt. Mitchell.
James Allport.

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership or joint
trade lately subsisting and carried on between and by
the undersigned, Thomas Pemberton, of Birmingham, in the
County of Warwick, and James Allport, late of New York, in
the United States of America, Merchants, was and stands
dissolved on and from the 23d day of March last. — Dated, 22d.
day of December 1823.

Thomas Pemberton.
James Allport.

As already mentioned - According to The Goldsmiths' Company - A Robert Mitchell, described as a smallworker, entered ...second mark on 22 May 1823.

In 1824 Robert was also busy in his role of Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office. The Birmingham Guardians ...... “A delegation of Guardians consisting of the High Bailiff (John Vale), Richard Spooner, S T Galton and Robert Mitchell attended in London with the object of smoothing the path of the Bill. ... In addition the Guardians expressed their thanks to Messrs Galton, Spooner, Vale and Mitchell "for their arduous and valuable Services in London" without whose support "the success of the Bill would have been very doubtful".

Need the name of the book and the author – probably Jennifer Tann – The Birmingham Assay Office 1773 – 1993. 

The Statutes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 9 explained:

An Act for repealing so much of an Act of the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, intituled An Act for appointing Wardens and Assay Masters for assaying Wrought Plate in the Towns of Sheffield and Birmingham as relates to the Town of Birmingham and within Twenty Miles thereof and for granting further and more effectual Powers for assaying and marking Gold and Silver Plate wrought or made within the said Town of Birmingham and within Thirty Miles thereof and for other Purposes relating thereto. 17th May 1824.

And it states further on:

And be it further enacted That the Right Honourable the Earl of Warwick, James Alston, William Charles Alston, Anderson Ashmore, William Anderton, Matthew Robinson Boulton, Thomas Beilby, William Blakeway, Dugdale Stratford Dugdale, Samuel Galton, Samuel Tertius Galton, William Hamper, Hyde(?) Holden, Francis Lawley, Heneage Legge, Matthew Linwood, John Lawrence, Robert Mitchell, Theodore Price, Thomas Pemberton, William Phipson, James Pearson, Samuel Ryland, Westley Richards, John Rotten, George Simcox, Timothy Smith, Richard Spooner, Francis Sheppard, Joseph Taylor, Edward Thomason, William Villers, John Vale, William Wheelwright, Joseph Wilmore, and James Woodley(?) shall be and they are hereby appointed Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate of or belonging to the Town of Birmingham and within Thirty Miles thereof and the said Guardians shall be and they are hereby incorporated and declared to be a Company and shall be called or known by the Name of The Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham and by that Name shall have perpetual Succession, and from thenceforth for ever remain and continue to be a Body Politic and Corporate in Law to all Intents and Purposes, and shall have a Common Seal and shall be enabled to sue and be sued by that Name in all Courts and Places of Judicature within these Realms, and by that Name shall and may from time to time without Licence in Mortmain purchase and hold any Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments for the Purposes of this Act and the said Guardians hereinbefore named and their respective Successors to be appointed as hereinafter mentioned shall respectively continue Members of such Company so long as they shall occupy any Lands Tenements or Hereditaments in the said Town, or within Thirty Miles thereof.

Another notice appeared in the London Gazette on Saturday, 2 April 1825.

Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore

subsisting between Robert Mitchell and George Ellis

Cooke, as Wholesale Jewellers, in Jewin-Street, in the City

of London, was this day dissolved by mutual consent; and

that all debts due and owing to and by the said concern will

be paid and received by the said George Ellis Cooke, who

will continue the business on his own account: As witness

our hand this 7th day of January 1825.

Robt. Mitchell.

G. E. Cooke.

An advertisement appeared in the Birmingham Gazette on Monday, 18 April 1825 which stated:

TO SILVERSMITHS
ONE or two Pencil Case-makers wanted.
Swedish Copper also wanted. - Apply to
ROBERT MITCHELL, Bishopgate-street.

A beautiful caddy spoon, depicting the Brighton Pavillion, was discovered on Antique Silver Spoons website. It is believed to be made by Robert Mitchell and marked by the Birmingham Assay Office in 1825. The website describes it as:

Item: Caddy Spoon

Description: 'Brighton Pavilion'

Hallmark: Birmingham 1825 by R.Mitchell

Dimensions: 101 mm length

Comments:A very rare caddy shovel as illustrated and discussed on page 21 of "Caddy Spoons: An Illustrated Supplement" by John Norie. Although without provenance, this is almost certainly the actual spoon shown in the book and is described by Norie as "presently unique". The embossed decoration of the Brighton Pavilion to both the base and back of the shovel is very crisp. The original handle is made from ebony.

Another piece of work, also found on a website was a butter knife which was marked in 1826. (need to find the website address)

It may be that Robert's son, William, was following in his footsteps.

An entry from the Register of the Birmingham Assay Office:

William Mitchell 

Silversmith 

Livery Street,Birmingham 

Mark registered February 1st 1826 

Sponsor's mark is WM in Times New Roman script contained within an oblong with right-angled corners.

Things then seem to take a turn for the worst for Robert as can be seen from the following notice which appeared in the London Gazette on Saturday, 25 February 1826.

Whereas a Commission of Bankrupt is awarded and

issued forth against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham,

in the County of Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer and

Chapman, and he being declared a Bankrupt is hereby required

to surrender himself to the Commissioners in the

said Commission named, or the major part of them, on the

10th and 11th of March next, at Four o'Clock in the Afternoon,

and on the 8th of April following, at Twelve o'Clock

at Noon, at the Royal Hotel, in Temple-Row, in Birmingham,

in the said County, and make a full Discovery and

Disclosure of his Estate and Effects ; when and where the

Creditors are to come prepared to prove their Debts, and at the

Second Sitting to chase Assignees and at the Last Sitting the

said Bankrupt is required to finish his Examination, and the

Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his

Certificate. All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt, or

that have any of his Effects, are not to pay or deliver the 

same but to whom the Commissioners shall appoint, but give 

notice to Messrs. Norton and Chaplin, 3, Gray's-Inn-Square, 

London, or to Messrs. Spurrier, Ingleby, and Spurrier, Solicitors, 

Birmingham. 

The news of the bankrupt is also reported (from the London Gazette) in The Derby Mercury on Wednesday, 1 March 1826. 

On Saturday, 17 June 1826 the following was reported in the London Gazette. 

THE Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, 

bearing date the 28th of January 1826, awarded and 

issued forth against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham, in the 

County of Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer and Chapman, 

intend to meet on the 8th of August next, at Two of 

the Clock in the Afternoon, at the Royal Hotel, Birmingham, 

to Audit the Accounts of the Assignees of the Estate and 

Effects of the said Bankrupt under the said Commission. 

It was still going on in 1828 when on the Tuesday, 1 January the London Gazette gave the following notice:

THE Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, bearing

date the 20th day of January 1826, awarded and issued

forth against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham, in the County

of Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer and Chapman, in

tend to meet on the 22d day of January instant, at Eleven

o'clock in the Forenoon, at the Royal Hotel, in Temple-Row,

in Birmingham aforesaid, in order to Audit the Accounts of the

Assignees of the estate and effects of the said Bankrupt under

the said Commission.

Another notice swiftly appeared, again in the London Gazette, on Friday, 4 January 1828.

THE Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt, bearing

date the 20th day of January 1826, awarded and issued

forth against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham, in the County

of Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer and Chapman, intend

to meet on the 25th day of January instant, at Eleven

in the Forenoon precisely, at the Royal Hotel, in Temple-Row,

in Birmingham aforesaid, in order to Audit the

Accounts of the Assignees of the estate and effects of the

said Bankrupt under the said Commission ; and also on the

same day, at Twelve at Noon, at the same, place, to make a

Dividend of the estate and effects of the said Bankrupt; when

and where the Creditors, who have not already proved their

debts, are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will

be excluded the benefit of the said Dividend. And all claims

not them proved will be disallowed.

In 1828 Robert is shown as a Jeweller & Silversmith of 80 Bath Street according to Pigot's & Co. He is still shown at this address in 1830 (this is the year that Thomas Pemberton died).

The following appears in the 1830 edition of The history, topography and directory of Warwickshire.

Mitchell Robert, jeweller and silversmith 80, Bath-st

And under Jewellers, Manufacturing:

Mitchell Rob. and silversmith, Bath-st

Interestingly in this section there is also a reference to

Pemberton and Postans, 33, Snowhill

And under Jewellery Stampers:

Cooke George, 87, Great Hampton-st.

(George Cooke had also had bankruptcy issues back in 1826).

Another notice appeared in the London Gazette on Tuesday, 15 March 1831 which I believe is for Robert's son, William.

William Mitchell, formerly of Livery-Street, in Birmingham,

in the County of Warwick, Silvermith and Jeweller, then of

Hunter's-Lane, near Birmingham, in the County of Stafford,

carrying on the business of a Silversmith and Jeweller,in

Greathampton-Street, in Birmingham aforesaid, then of

Saint Paul's-Square, in Birmingham aforesaid, Jeweller and

Silversmith, and Patent Pin Manufacturer, then of Blackfriars-Road,

London, Jeweller and Silversmith, then of

Finsbury-Pavement, London, Shopkeeper, then of Bath-Street,

in Birmingham aforesaid, Silversmith, then of Northwood-Street,

in Birmingham aforesaid, Silversmith, and

late of Constitution-Hill, in Birmingham aforesaid, Silversmith

and Pencil Case-Manufacturer.

And there were still problems for Robert judging by the notice in the London Gazette on Tuesday, 8 November 1831.

THE COURT FOR RELIEF OF INSOLVENT

DEBTORS.

N. B. See the Notice at the end of this Advertisement.

The Matters of the PETITIONS and SCHEDULES

of the PRISONERS hereinafter named (the same

having been filed in the Court) are appointed

to be heard as follows :

At the Court-House at Warwick, in the County of

Warwick, on the 30th day of November 1831,

at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon precisely.

Robert Mitchell the elder, heretofore of Bath, now of Birmingham,

Warwickshire, Jeweller and Silversmith, then

of Saint Paul's-Square, Birmingham, aforesaid, Jeweller and

Silversmith, and late of Bath-Street and of Whittall-Street,

Birmingham, aforesaid, Silver and Mosaic Pencil-Case-Maker.

This notice raises a question as it appears to indicate where Robert originated from with the comment, 'heretofore of Bath' but my concern is that this should read of Bath-Street although the wording 'now of Birmingham' does add to the confusion. If anyone is researching Mitchell's in Bath has a Robert that disappears around 1800 then please leave a comment.

Robert and Elizabeth, along with the rest of the family would probably have been celebrating on 29 October 1832 when their oldest son, William, was married. William married Sarah Butler at St Peter and St Paul's, Birmingham. The witnesses to the marriage were Edward Mitchell, A E Mitchell and E Mitchell.

Add History of St Peter's & St Paul's Church Birmingham and a photograph

By 1833 Robert is listed as a Jeweller & Silversmith of 56 Howard St. 

An advertisement appears in Aris's Birmingham Gazette on 16 September 1833.

ROSE ENGINES

TO be SOLD, two capital Rose Engines, made by Hulot, Paris, with double eccentric, straight lines, oval, pencil chucks, and other apparatus, suitable for Jeweller and Silversmiths' work, Watch Cases, Dials, &co.

Enquire at Robert Mitchell's, Howard-street, Constitution-hill.

Robert and Elizabeth were to lose another son.  Aris Gazette (Birmingham) records the death of William Mitchell who died at his father's house in Howard Street, aged 31, on 14 March 1834. He was buried seven days later on 21 March at St Paul's Church.  

On the 20 February 1835 Julia and Alfred were baptised at St Philip's, Birmingham. Two different abodes were given: Snowhill for Julia's birth in 1820 and Bishopgate Street for Alfred's birth in 1822.  Julia would have been coming up to 15 years of age and Alfred would have been 7 years old.

By 1835 Robert has moved again and is shown as Robert Mitchell & Co, Silversmiths at 24 Frederick St as shown by Wrightson's Trade Directory. But in Pigot's directory of the same year he is shown as Mitchell, Robert, Pencil Case Man, 24 Frederick St. 

There is an interesting reference in The Law Journal Reports for the year 1836.

Bankrupts, Certificates, and Dividends in the month of May 1836
Gazette, Tuesday, May 10.
Town and Country Fiats
BERRY Charles, now or late of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, stationer, silversmith, d.c. (carrying on the trade of a silversmith, in co-partnership with Robert Mitchell, under the style or firm of Robert Mitchell & Co.) - Sols. Adlington & Co. Bedford-row, and Marshall, Birmingham. Fiat, April 27.
BERRY John, now or late of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, glass-manufacturer, silversmith, d.c. - Sols. Adlington & Co. Bedford-row, and Marshall, Birmingham. Fiat, April 27.

There is reference to John Berry in the London Gazette of 10 May 1836.

And another one for Charles Berry '(carrying on the trade of a silversmith, in co-partnership with Robert Mitchell, under the style or firm of Robert Mitchell and Company) in the 15 July 1836 edition of the London Gazette. And the audit part of the process is reported in the Gazette on 23 August 1836.  And yet again on 16 June 1837.

If anyone has any knowledge of business in the early 1800's that can shed any light on the whys and the wherefores for someone carrying on in the 'style' of someone else's business - please share by leaving a comment.

Robert and Elizabeth would have been celebrating again when their son, Edward Mitchell, married Elizabeth Buckler by banns at St Bartholomews, Edgbastons Parish Church on 23 December 1837. Edward is shown a a Silversmith of Brierley Street. Elizabeth being the daughter of Nehemiah Buckler, a Plaster, of Constitution Hill.

Add History of St Bartholomew's Church Birmingham and a photograph

Robert Mitchell sadly died on the 12 May 1838 of consumption at his daughter's house at 22 Regents Place. Edward, newly married and living at 217 New John Street West, was present at his death. His father was 57 years of age. They buried him six days later on 18 May 1838 at St Paul's Church. Aris Gazette (Birmingham) remembered him thus:

Died, On Sat, last, at the home of his daughter, Regent's Place, Mr Robert Mitchell, in the 57th year of his age, sincerely lamented by his family and numerous circle of friends.

Robert missed the birth of his grand daughter, Elizabeth, on 17 January 1839 born at 217 New John Street West. Edward's happiness would be short lived when his wife of little over one year, Elizabeth, died 26 January. Aris Gazette remembered her thus:

Mitchell, Elizabeth wife of Edward Mitchell, silversmith of New John Street, daughter of N.Bucklee, Birmingham aged 21 d. 26 January 1839.

Elizabeth was just 21 years old and would not have had chance to enjoy her little baby girl. Edward registered the birth on 29 January 1839. Edward must have been having a terrible time. Recently married, just lost his father, and now his wife and he was left with a tiny baby he was unable to care for. This is probably the reason why his sister, Elizabeth, appears to have taken the baby into her home as hers. Edward is listed in the 1839 Wrightson's and Robson's Directory as a Silversmith at 217 John St West. A Miss Mitchell, Seminary of 22 Regent Place is listed in the same directory. This entry being for their daughter, Elizabeth Mitchell (jnr)? 

Elizabeth Mitchell sadly followed Robert quite quickly as a couple of years later on the 20 December 1840 she too died.  The cause is listed as 'Decay of Nature'.  Frederick Windus Winn was present at the death.  Aris Gazette remembered her.

Mitchell, Mrs Robert died at daughter's, Upper Hockley St, 60 years, 20 December 1840.

Elizabeth was buried 8 days later also at St Paul's Church on 28 December 1840.

By 1841 Edward Mitchell is shown in the ? Directory as a German Silver Pencil Casemaker of Court 7, Henrietta Street.

Elizabeth was not to see her eldest daughter, Ann Eliza Mitchell, Schoolmistress, marry John Jaques, gun-maker (both of Upper Hockley Street, Birmingham) on the 14 April 1841 at St Peter & St Paul, Birmingham. John was a gun maker and the son of John Jaques (Gentleman). Elizabeth Mitchell and Robt Roberts were the witnesses.

Henry Mitchell by now a Silversmith married Lucy Dell Arnold on the 12 May 1842 at Harborne's Parish Church. Lucy had been born the 22 October 1815, the daughter of Francis Arnold and Mary Dell. (See their story... coming soon)

Edward Mitchell having lost his first wife, remarried on the 29 March 1842 in the Parish of Harborne. His new wife Hannah Beckett was the daughter of John Beckett (Tin Plate Worker). Edward is shown as a widower, full age and Hannah as a spinster, under age. The witnesses were Robert Nelson and Samuel Dugmore. (See their story)

Add History of Harborne Parish Church Birmingham and a photograph

It is rather interesting to find more London Gazette references for Robert Mitchell at this point in the 'story' since Robert has now been dead for over FOUR years! On Tuesday, 20 September 1842 the following was reported:

THE creditors who have proved their debts under a
Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued forth
against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham, in the county of
Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer and Chapman,
bearing date the 28th day of January 1826, are desired to
meet the assignees of his estate and effects, on Tuesday
the 4th day of October next, at eleven of the clock in the
forenoon, at Messrs. Spurrier and Chaplin's offices, in Paradise-street,
in Birmingham aforesaid, in order to assent to or
dissent from the said assignees selling, by public auction or
private contract, such of the book and other debts due and
owing to the said bankrupt's estate as now remain outstanding
and unreceived ; and on other special affairs.

And on page 2551 of the same publication, the following appeared:

THE Commissioners in a Commission of Bankrupt
bearing date the 28th day of January 1826, awarded
and issued forth against Robert Mitchell, of Birmingham,
in the county of Warwick, Jeweller, Silversmith, Dealer
and Chapman, intend to meet on the 19th day of October
next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, at the Waterloo-rooms,
Waterloo-street, in Birmingham aforesaid, in order
to Audit the Accounts of the Assignees of the estate and
effects of the said bankrupt under the said Commission,
pursuant to an Act of Parliament, made and passed
in the sixth year of the reign of His late Majesty King
George the Fourth, intituled "An Act to amend the laws
relating to bankrupts;" and the said Commissioners also
intend to meet on the same day, at twelve o'clock at noon,
and at the same place, in order to make a Further Dividend
of the estate and effects of the said bankrupt; when and
where the creditors, who have not already proved their debts,
are to come prepared to prove the same, or they will be excluded
the benefit of the said Dividend. And all claims not
then proved will be disallowed.

Robert and Elizabeth's other daughter, Elizabeth, who had cared for her mother at her death was to marry a couple of years later. She was already a surrogate mother to her brother's child, Elizabeth. On 8 April 1843, James Edwards (born England 1808 to Thomas Edwards and Elizabeth Haynes), Ironmonger, applied for a marriage licence for the solemnization of matrimony in the Parish Church of Saint George between him and Elizabeth Mitchell. They were married on 12 April 1843 at St George's, Birmingham. Thomas James and Emma Mitchell were the witnesses. (See their story)

Add History of St George's Church Birmingham and a photograph

A month later they were back in church once more, this time Harborne Parish Church for the marriage of Julia Mitchell to Thomas James on the 9 May 1843. James Edwards and Emma Mitchell were the witness. Julia married well. Her husband Thomas James was a leather dealer. They went on to have 10 children. (See their story)

Alfred Mitchell, of Constitution Hill, was only 28 years old when he died in 1851. He was buried on 28 January at St Paul's church, the same church as his brothers and his mother 
and father had been. We need more evidence to confirm that this is 'our' Alfred.

Updated: 27 October 2024

The Birmingham Journal

25 Jan 1851, page 5 - The Birmingham Journal at Newspapers.com

DIED

On the 22nd inst., of consumption, aged 27, Alfred, youngest son of the late Mr. Robert Mitchell, of this town.

Is William Mitchell the lodger shown on the 1851 census at No 7 Court No 2 House, Ludgate Hill, Birmingham ( living with Charles and Elizabeth Bell) the William Mitchell shown on the census is an unmarried 50 year old Silver Plate Worker, born Birmingham, Warwickshire?

Is Robert Mitchell, 46, Commercial Traveller of Birmingham, Warwickshire, living with wife Maria Mitchell at 258 New John Street West in 1851 (HO/107/2058 folio 387 page 23) Robert and Elizabeth's son?

Notes

See my pinterest boards for examples of Mitchell and Pemberton's work.

James Allport

There is an interesting reference to a James Allport at this website.

• James Allport was born at Hartley, Worcestershire, England, May 11, 1799. 
• Brought up by his uncle Charles, who in 1816, sent him to New York, as an importer of hardware.
• Worked with the firm of Corp, Ellis & Shaw.
• He married Matilda Hunter (daughter of Major Andrew Hunter & Mary Evans) on 29 November 1831.
• After making America his permanent home he apparently became a naturalized citizen of the United States.
• Matilda and James had the following children - James C., born January 19, 1833; Mary 1., born December 16, 1834; Samuel C., born August 2, 1838; Catherine, born December 11, 1841; Matilda, born June 23, 1845; and Hobart, born March 3, 1848.
• And James died 4 October 4 1854. It looks like this information was written up in 1898. 

There are also references to a James Allport on http://fultonhistory.com/ selling paintings from Pine St, New York.

George Ellis Cooke 

George died in 1848 and his death was registered in December quarter 1848 

George Ellis Cooke (Uxbridge 3 320)

His story is very sad.  According to Thomas Knowles & Serena Trowbridge in their book Insanity and the Lunatic Asylum in the Nineteenth Century, this is what happened:

"George Ellis Cooke, ‘a thin, pale and feeble’ 59-year-old, arrived at Hanwell in June of 1848 having suffered a mental collapse resulting from anxiety about redundancy together with pathological grief. He died of unspecified causes that December. Drawing on information from Cooke’s nieces, Conolly notes the following account in more detail than was his custom: 

[Cooke] has been for the last ten years an agent in London for a jeweller in Birmingham… was paid a percentage on the sales he effected, this for some time yielded him a fair income, but of late it had returned him very little, as shop keepers have got into the habit of buying goods direct from the manufacturer – his employers retained him from a feeling of respect to him, and at a loss to themselves, but they intimated to him that they would abolish his office as they were curtailing their expenses – this grieved him greatly, he was afraid he could not get another situation, several others were offered to him … he was afraid to undertake any of them, said he was sure he could not discharge the duties of them properly – he was remarkable for firmness and decision of character till lately when he became unable to decide upon anything. The smallest trifle gave him uneasiness, he was incapable of transacting any business - his wife of whom he was very fond died at Christmas last of paralysis after a long illness, he fretted much at her death and soon afterwards committed such mistakes in his accounts that he was dismissed, he shut himself up in his room for several days without food, his landlord got in through the window – found him in a haggard state half naked and talking of suicide – he was sent to the workhouse and was brought from that here in a month. Relatives sane and healthy – he used to be particularly neat in his dress and appearance, very strict and honourable in his transactions, since the death of his wife he became slovenly and he went to a police office, gave himself up as having committed a robbery the accusation was investigated and found to be groundless’.19"

Source:

Insanity and the Lunatic Asylum in the Nineteenth Century

Insanity And The Lunatic Asylum In The Nineteenth Century [PDF]

Notice

If you have connections to the following names in Worcestershire, please get in touch.

• Holt
• Mitchell
• Muchall
• Liddell