John Hall (c.1780-1861) was a pen and pocket knife cutler in Corn Hill – a road which intersected with Edward Street (which was also sometimes listed as Hall’s address).  Hall was listed in directories in these streets after 1822.  In 1841, the enterprise was listed ‘& Son’, then ‘& Sons’ after 1845.   In the Census (1841), John Hall (cutler) was enumerated in Edward Street, living with his wife Sarah and two sons, Henry and Frederick.  Next door was Thomas Hall and his family.  The latter was a pocket blade maker and may have been another son.  The business was not listed after 1852 – the year in which  John’s wife, Sarah, died.  She was buried in Portobello on 28 November, aged 64.   In 1861, John Hall described himself in the Census as a retired cutlery manufacturer.  He died on 27 May 1861 at his residence in West Street.  His age was stated as 81 in the press obituary; and 79 in the General Cemetery register.  He left under £1,500.