Walter Wilkinson (c.1809-1885) was born in Ecclesfield.  In the Census (1841), he was a scissors maker in Rockingham Street, living with his wife, Ann.  In 1845, he advertised as a fine scissors manufacturer at Carver Street and Rockingham Lane.  By 1849, he was also manufacturing sheep shears, which later (alongside sugar cane knives) dominated his output from Australian Works, Fitzwilliam Street.  He advertised as ‘& Son’ in the directory (1868).  In 1870s, he employed about six men.  He died in Cemetery Road on 13 May 1885, aged 76.  His wife, Ann, predeceased him in 1881 (aged 74).   He was buried in the General Cemetery, leaving £395 and the business to his son, Robert (1840-1916).