MITCHELL

Alexander (son of Wm. Mitchell, inspector-general of barracks in Ireland). b. Dublin 13 April 1780; brickmaker and builder at Belfast to 1832; patentee of the Mitchell screw-pile and mooring 1842, first used for foundation of Maplin Sand lighthouse 1838, applied to many extensive undertakings; established himself at Belfast, and at 17 Great George st. Westminster as Mitchell’s Screw-pile and mooring company, the privy council in 1847 renewed his patent for 14 years; his improved method of mooring ships was generally adopted; M.I.C.E. 1848–57; author of Description of a patent screw-pile battery and lighthouse. Belfast 1843; On submarine foundations, particularly the screw-pile and moorings 1848. d. Glen Devis near Belfast 25 June 1868.