Listed in the 1865 directory as a Bowie knife maker, Alexander Barnes was based in Shrewsbury Road, Park.  In 1841, he was enumerated in the Census as a journeyman pen-blade forger, living in Claywood (close to the present Midland Railway station) with Elizabeth Barnes (aged 55).  The identity of Alexander’s parents is uncertain.  He may have been related to Matthew Barnes, a die sinker, active since about 1833 in Claywood.   Matthew died on 1 October 1854, aged 76.  In 1852, Alexander was listed at Claywood as a spring knife manu-facturer.   By 1861, the forty-five year-old cutler was not only manufacturing pen, pocket and butchers’ knives at Clay Wood Works, South Street, but also operating the Three Cranes public house in Queen Street (which still stands).  He was bankrupt in 1863, but then discharged.   In 1861, he left the Three Cranes and henceforth was no longer listed in directories.  He apparently died in 1867 (aged 54) and was buried at St Mary’s, Bramall Lane.  His ‘relict’, Rebecca, died at Coal Aston on 14 May 1784, aged 67, and was buried at Dronfield.