John Mitchell (1798- )
John Mitchell, pen maker
1798 John Mitchell was born in Sheffield
He moved to 36, Newhall Street, Birmingham right in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
His brother, William, became a major pen manufacturer, and his sister, Maria, married another Birmingham pen maker, Joseph Gillott.
c.1822 he applied tools used in the cutlery and jewellery trades to the manufacture of steel pens. The use of the hand press increased production and cut costs. He traded as John Mitchell
Many of his pens were sold in France and Belgium, particularly popular were "les plumes ballon" which became a household name.
1841 Steel pen maker, living in ST Paul, Birmingham, with Mary Mitchell 35, Mary Mitchell 17, Henry Mitchell 16, Sidney Mitchell 14, Emma Mitchell 12, Clarrissa Mitchell 8, Christopher Mitchell 4, Louisa Mitchell 1, Anna Mitchell 70[1]
1851 Steel pen maker, living in Edgbaston, with Mary Ann Mitchell 50, Henry Mitchell 25, steel pen maker, Emma Mitchell 21, Clarissa Mitchell 18, Christopher Mitchell 13, Louisa Mitchell 11[2]