Alfred was born during 1884, the son of Frank Dodson, a spring knife cutler and Mary Dodson, nee Watkinson while living at 10 West John Street.  Their eldest son, George, aged 14 was already employed as a cutler.  Alfred's mother died shortly after his birth and by 1901 he was working as a spring knife cutler living with his sister and brother-in-law in Walkley. Eight years later Alfred married Mary Ann Costello and moved to Hawthorn Street also in Walkley. Tthe 1911 census described him as a spring knife manager/cutlery manufacturer. Two years after the census, Kelly's 1913 directory  included Alfred, a spring knife cutler, located at 151 Arundel Street where he probably continued working until retirement. By the time the 1939 Register was taken, prior to WWII, Alfred and Mary Ann were living at 47 Brooklands Avenue and his occupation was recorded as a cutler.  Alfred died at The Royal Hospital on the 25th December 1955, aged 71, leaving 'effects' of £4536 9s 9d. Mary Ann lived for a further sixteen years and died, aged 92, in Chesterfield.