This cutler was apparently the son of Benjamin Hallam (a warehouseman), who apprenticed his son to Robert Shepherd (a cutler) and James Snidall (knife maker) in 1785 and 1792, respectively.  Atkins Hallam purchased his Freedom in 1792.  He was listed in 1797 as a pen and pocket knife maker at 26 Norfolk Street.  His trade mark was a cross and heart device.  By 1811, he was at Pond Street, where he manufactured desk knives.  In 1795, he had married Ellen Broomhead, who died on 14 February 1812, aged 40, and was buried at Upper Chapel (Leeds Intelligencer, 22 February 1812).  In January 1814, Atkins married again to Martha Broomhead.  However, he died later that year and was buried at Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, on 15 August.