Born in Stannington in about 1837, Reuben Furness was living in Crosspool by 1841.  His parents were James Furness – a spring knife cutler (and occasional publican) – and his wife Hannah.  Reuben took up his father’s trade as a maker of pen, pocket, sportsman’s and sailor’s knives.  He lived in Broad Street in the 1860s.  His first directory listing as a cutler was in 1876 in Corporation Street.  Between 1879 and about 1883, his works address was Columbia Works, West Street.  Reuben died at Hanging Water on 24 April 1885, aged 48, and was buried in Fulwood.   He left £586 and his probate described him as a ‘farmer and cutlery manufacturer’.