Comments on: Elisha Mitchell: A Man, His Watch, and a Mountain

By: Jason Tomberlin

Jason Tomberlin — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:34:00 +0000

William:

Here’s some information on the watch as supplied by the Keeper of the NC Collection Gallery:

“According to our database, the inner case bears the maker’s mark T.H.J.H., which is the mark of Thomas and John Hilsby of Liverpool.”

Let us know if you have any other questions.

By: William R

William R — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 05:42:15 +0000

I’ve heard this story several times – and when I was out in the Raleigh area I had hoped to stop in and see the watch for myself at the museum. Unfortunately I was there for business and I never had a chance to get to UNC.

I have only one question – what kind of pocket watch is this? I have wondered that since I first heard the story but I have never been able to find out online. I’d really like to know – I am very interested in antique pocket watches and this is a mystery to me.

I’d REALLY like to know what kind of watch this is. None of the pictures I have seen are clear enough to even make an educated guess.

By: Mark Chilton

Mark Chilton — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:07:55 +0000

I might just add a few random tidbits about Dr. Mitchell:

Elisha Mitchell was originally the Math professor at UNC, later teaching Chemistry and still later Geology.

Mitchell Hall at UNC is named for him and is the home of the Geology Department, of course.

Mitchell’s home was (at least for a time) at the intersection of Cameron Ave and Columbia Street, about where the Scuttlebutt was until recently, between Abernethy Hall and Swain Hall. Later I believe he moved to another location in Chapel Hill, maybe further west down Cameron Avenue.

Someone please correct me if I got any of that wrong.