According to USDA Plant Inventory 148, PI 142234 was presented to USDA by Mr. William S. Mitchell from Wilmington, Delaware in September, 1941. 'Mitchell' is also noted to be a synonym for 'Mitchell Russet' described below, but this pear does not match the description of 'Mitchell Russett'. The Delaware 'Mitchell' is a unique cultivar. (jp 03/2019).
'Mitchell Russet' originated in Belleville, Illinois in 1869. The following description is from A.J. Downing, 1869: "Origin Belleville, Illinois. Fruit medium or small, obovate, inclining to conic. Skin rough, dark russet, thickly covered with grey dots. Stalk long, inserted in a small cavity by a ring or lip Calyx open, basin uneven. Flesh juicy, melting, rich, highly perfumed. November." From U.P. Hedrick, 1921: "Originated at Belleville, Ill. Fruit medium or small, obovate inclining to conic; skin rough, dark russet, thickly covered with gray dots; flesh juicy, melting, rich and highly perfumed, astringent; scarcely good; Oct."