John Parkin (c.1758-1849) was a pen knife manufacturer.  His first listing in a directory was apparently in 1797 as John Parkin & Co, Hollis Croft (trade mark ‘PARKIN 1426’).   In 1802, the partners – John Parkin, Christopher Oates, and Benjamin Colley – dissolved the company.  Two years later, a subsequent partnership between John Parkin and Luke Haslam ended.  Between 1816 and 1825, John Parkin made pen and pocket knives in Pea Croft.  After 1828, he moved to Kelham’s Wheel and then Cotton Mill Walk, Kelham.   He was enumerated in the Census (1841) in Kelham Street, as an 80-year-old cutler, living with Elizabeth (aged 65).  Next door was John Parkin – a scale and spring forger, and possibly relative – and Margaret, with their family.   John Parkin, Kelham Street, died on 5 March 1849, aged 91.  He was buried in St Peter & St Paul churchyard.