This branch of the Makin family can be traced to John Makin.  He may have been the cutler of that name from Attercliffe, who gained his Freedom in 1749.  The Makins launched a fork-making business in the Wicker.  In 1786, John Makin’s son, James (d.1812?) registered a silver mark as a plate worker.  In the following year, he was listed in a Sheffield directory as a manufacturer of forks in the Wicker.  

James Makin was Master Cutler in 1803.  His son, James Makin Jun. (1776-1821), became a Freeman in 1798 and Master Cutler in 1815.  He directed James Makin & Co, fork manufacturer, in Savile Street.   The location was known locally as the Pickle, at the end of Savile Street, near the ‘Twelve O’Clock’ Tollgate.   In the Sheffield directory (1821), James Makin & Co was listed as a table knife, fork, and bayonet manufacturer.  According to Leader (1905-6)¹, Makin tried to introduce bayonet manufacture in Sheffield, but it was not a commercial success.  He died, aged 45, on 19 November 1821 and was buried at St James’ churchyard.  

His freehold estate was offered for sale or ‘To Let’.  It consisted of Makin’s house, workshops, and warehouse, and six dwelling houses (tenements) and pleasure ground and garden (Sheffield Independent, 1 June 1822).  His widow, Elizabeth Wilson Makin, moved to Howard Street.   She announced the launch of a millinery and dress making business, having visited London to hire a ‘Lady from one of the first houses in that line’ (Sheffield Independent, 17 May 1823).  She died in 1868 at her residence at Baslow.  She was aged 90 (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 15 January 1868).

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)