William Darwin (born c. 1823) was a scissors grinder, who founded his business in about 1850 in Russell Street.  He lived for a time in Hadfield Street, Howard Hill, before moving to Spring Vale Road.   In the directory (1856), his works was in Meadow Street.  Darwin manufactured fine scissors and shears, though after 1860 – when the business moved to Snow Lane – his products included all types of scissors and tailors’ shears, besides coal tongs, and lamb and horse-clipping shears.   The firm was ‘rattened’ during the Sheffield Outrages in 1866, because Darwin was allegedly employing men below union rates.  He employed seven workers in 1871.  His trade mark was ‘1373’ (granted in 1791).  William Darwin died at 144 Spring Vale Road on 28 June 1891, leaving about £14 to his widow, Elizabeth.