Stephen Mitchell (philanthropist)

Stephen Mitchell was born on 19 September 1789[1] in Ecclesmachan, Linlithgowshire (now West Lothian), into a long-established family of tobacco and snuff merchants and burghers.

[3] Mitchell attended Linlithgow Grammar School[4][5](built in the 1620s and later destroyed by fire), which stood to the south of St. Michael’s Parish Church in the Kirkgate area of the town.

[7][9][10] On 8 June 1814, Stephen was admitted to the Fraternity of Dyers, the only surviving Trade Guild of the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, which continues to take part in the annual Riding of the Marches.

[4] From some letters dated 1822 between Stephen and Nelson it is gathered that both did a considerable amount of travelling for their business and, as they were keen riders, most of their journeys were done on horseback in preference to the coach.

[6][11] Despite competition from other tobacco manufacturing firms already established in the city, the business prospered and, by 1832, had prestigious premises at 49/52 (and later also 36[12]) St. Andrew's Square, Glasgow.

[22] It is thought that Stephen Mitchell is buried at Linlithgow, his dates having been inscribed on the stone he placed on his parents’ grave in St. Michael’s Parish Church.

[4] Mitchell’s will indicated that, while he made his money from tobacco, he had invested his wealth almost exclusively in railways, mainly in Great Britain but also in North America.

[17] Although he is thought not to have taken part in public affairs during his lifetime,[6] Stephen Mitchell’s will also ensured provision of the residue of his estate, amounting to £66,998 10s.

[5] He also spent much of his time in the backroom of the bookseller’s shop which housed the Moffat Subscription Library where “in congenial companionship he talked in appreciative insight of books”.

[4] This library had been established in the year of Mitchell’s birth by James Clarke (1761-1825), the Rector of Moffat Grammar School, at the suggestion of his friend and fellow Dumfriesshire resident, Robert Burns, who also donated a number of books.

Henry was also a historian who had wished to bequeath his books to the Town Council of Linlithgow for the establishment of a public library there, but this is said not to have materialised because of the poor wording of his will.

Commissioned posthumously by the City Council, Mossman's finished marble commemorative bust was completed in 1881, and is on display at the entrance to the Mitchell Library at 201 North Street.

[28] A contemporary account describes how it was received:Those who knew Mr, Mitchell are of opinion that notwithstanding the want of any but very slight materials, Mr. Mossman has succeeded in producing a bust which is excellent as a likeness, as it is acknowledged by all who have seen it to be admirable as a work of art.