Henry J. James Brownill was born on 13 May 1818, the son of John Brownill, a table knife manufacturer, and his wife, Elizabeth.  In 1841, Henry was living in Edward Street and working as a table blade striker.  By 1845, he was listed in Scotland Street and in 1849 advertised table and dessert knives, and pen and pocket knives.  He was a retired cutlery merchant by 1861, living with his wife, Elizabeth, in Oxford Street. 

Elizabeth Brownill (widow of John), died on 3 April 1852 (aged 71) at Henry’s home in Wentworth Street (Sheffield Independent, 10 April 1852). Henry J. J. Brownill, ‘gentleman’, Sharrow Lane, died on 27 October 1890, aged 72.  His burial (unconsecrated) was in the General Cemetery.  Elizabeth died in 1895, aged 76, in Nether Edge.