I gather this is the Mitchell who married Hannah Taylor. His father was quite possibly British and a sailor just like himself. Not so hard to believe, it's not far between Dover and Calais. Many British fishermen settled on the northern french coast. Guernsey and Jersey are closer to France than Britain.The Mitchell's from Normandy spelt their name with one L. MITCHELL as spelt is definitely British Isles.
I do know of A Thomas Mitchell and wife born in England and migrated to Le Havre, France as evidenced by their many children's french birth certificates.

Hello. Yes you are correct, it is Peter Mitchell who married Hannah Taylor. Thank you for your information. I didn't know where to start.
How on earth did you know so much? You say "his father was possibly British and a sailor just like himself". It sounds like you know Peter Mitchell was a sailor. Is this correct? Where might you of got info like this? I am very interested.

By the way, I see you are researching the Eaton's. My wife's maiden name is Eaton. She was born in Christchurch NZ. Her father, mother and brother and sister emigrated here in 1953. Her fathers name was Ronald George Eaton. He was born 19/4/1924, she thinks but not sure, in Edgeware, London. Just a snippet of info that may or may not be useful.

Grant

I know Peter Mitchell because he got drunk one night and fell in the drink and nearly drowned. The incident including, what boat he was on was reported in..... somewhere I have to go look for it now. be right back.

I have a clipping from the original article:
CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. DEATH BY DROWNING. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXX, Issue 5298, 17 August 1874, Page 3 it can be found at:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=DSC18740817.2.15&srpos=64&e=-------10--61-byDA---0peter+mitchell+seaman--
Says, Peter Mitchell, a foreigner, he was from the clipper Wangarai, moored alongside Wood Wharf
If you can't find it pm me and I will send you a copy.
Jan

I found it, thanks. It is Peter Mitchell alright but I am not sure if it is my Peter Mitchell. The mystery deepens!

Don't know your wife's Eaton line. My EATON's received an all expenses paid 'Getaway' to Australia, back in 1791.

Sorry to take so long in replying. You talk of many childrens French birth certificates. How do you know this?

Pierre Michal (Peter Mitchell) married Hannah Maria Taylor 1865 in Whangarei and they had seven Children, My Grandfather George Taylor Mitchell was the first son, the family moved to Auckland about mid 1880 and lived in Mary st Mt Eden. where Peter worked as a gardener. Hannah seemed to move about with her youngest Daughter Amelia, but died in Whangarei and is buried in Purewa Cemetery with Peter and other family members.

Thanks, you must be my dads, (Roy), cousin. Are you Bev or Bronwyn? I didn't know till now where they lived in Auckland. I've found their grave. Interestingly, the grave contains Peter and Hannah, two daughers and a grandchild! But, I really want to trace Peters origins and entry into New Zealand. Hannah came from London with her family.

Grant

Peter (Pierre) Mitchell was my maternal GG Grandfather, he was an InnKeeper at Kamo, Northland, NZ. His wife was Hannah Maria nee Taylor, they married in Whangarei on 28/10/1865. Hannah's mother Charlotte Taylor travelled from England to attend Hannahs wedding in Whangarei.

I too have been trying to trace Peters origins, so far with little success. I am new to this website and I see that the previous posts are somewhat dated and am wondering if anyone has had any further success as yet?

I've been looking of and on but not found anything new, yet. Maybe the spelling from bcnicholls might help. ie: Pierre Michal. I'll keep looking.I'd love to get a photo of Pierre/Peter. Got one of Hannah in 1917 with her granddaughter, my grandmother.

I have found a note from my late Mum which says that Peter Mitchell arrived in NZ in 1862 and married Hannah one year later and that ancestors came to NZ on "Lancashire Witch". I am not sure if that includes Peter (Pierre) or if it applies to Hannah Taylor and family. The search goes on..............

Well that is a good start. I've been trying to find anything on when he might of got to NZ. I've already found the passenger records for the Taylors, who sailed on the Lancashire Which, 1 June 1865. Peters name is not on the passenger list so we'll have to keep looking.

sorry they arrived on the june 1865