James Morton (c.1786-1852) was a pen and pocket knife manufacturer, who worked in Cornhill – a thorough-fare that once ran between Solly Street and Upper Allen Street.  He may have partnered William Jervis as a pocket knife and razor manufacturer, but this was dissolved in 1830.  James Morton appeared in the local directory (1833).  The Census (1841) showed him living in Cornhill with his wife, Mary, a daughter (Jane), and two apprentices.  He worked and was listed in directories in Cornhill until 1852.   He died in Sarah Street on 15 August 1852, aged 66, and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard.   His widow, Mary, died in Brookhill on 22 August 1860, aged 67.   The business was continued by his unmarried daughter, Jane Morton (c.1815-1866?), who was listed in directories and the Census as a spring knife manufacturer at 214 Brookhill.   

In 1861, however, Jane announced that she was ‘declining the business and leaving town’ (Sheffield Independent, 10 August 1861).   The auction list of the contents of the premises at Sarah Street gives a good idea of the stock and tools of a ‘backstreet’ manufacturer:  six hearths of blade makers’ tools, 21 cutlers’ vices, five glazer frames, about fifty buffs and glazers, twenty stools, covered delivery cart, grindstones, weighing machines, steel dies, and a large stock of forged blades and scales, with brown paper.   A good range of furniture was also listed, besides fifty books.