John Alfred Sarjeant (1880-1944) was born at Reading, Berkshire, the son of John Alfred Sarjeant (a carpet salesman) and his wife, Jemima Maria (a pianoforte teacher). The family had moved to Sheffield by 1891. John A. Sarjeant Sen. became ill, took to drink, and on 7 August 1900 hung himself in the wash-house at his home at Fentonville Street.

By 1911, his son was living at Sawdon Street, Stalker Lees, and working as a warehouseman in an electro-plate factory.

By the late 1920s, John Alfred Sarjeant was a cutlery manufacturer at No. 19 Cambridge Street. He was listed in directories until his death in 1944.