John Watkinson (1798-1870) was born in Sheffield, the son of John (a cutler) and his wife, Ann. John (presumably Jun. rather Sen.) was listed in directories between 1821 and 1825 as a table knife manufacturer at 33 Peacroft. By 1828, however, he was trading as a bone and scale cutter at Peacroft. He continued in this business until the 1860s and was helped by his brothers, Samuel (1803-1866) and Matthew (1805-1870). In 1862, the local directory listed John Watkinson as a bone and scale cutter and shopkeeper. He died at Fawcett Street on 6 January 1870, aged 70, and was buried in the General Cemetery with the remains of his wife, Mary (d. 1858). His brother, Matthew, was also buried in the same grave. He also died in January 1870.