© Ken Hawley Collection Trust - K.1827
Sheffield area directory entries for the period 1905 to 1925 list the company as 'Sarah Southern (Mrs, Cutler)', operating as Cutlers at 13, Norfolk Market Hall, Sheffield. The 1911 census gives more detail, i.e. Sara Ann Southern's husband, William George Southern, was a General Dealer and Cutler. Both Sara Ann and their daughter Mabel were 'assisting in the business' whilst living at 294 City Road. William had a chequered childhood, his mothered died shortly after his birth in 1863 and between the ages of 3 and 22 he lived firstly with his grand parents, later 'lodging' with his uncle, both relatives working as Pocket Blade Grinders. William's son, also William George, was not involved in the business eventually becoming an electrical engineers chief clerk.
William George (snr) died 11/12/1924, aged 56, leaving £2,750 2s 6d. Sara Ann died thirteen years later, aged 64, having left £3,259 3s 5d.
If you have any further details please share them with us via enquiries@hawleytoolcollection.com