William Parker (c.1713-1764) was Master Cutler in 1761.  He was probably the son of Phineas and Anne and became a Freeman in 1739.  Little is known about William’s life, though he was a trustee of Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street.  William (by his wife, Ann Swindin) had three sons, who became cutlers and merchants: William (bapt. Upper Chapel, 1746), Thomas (1747-1806), and Ebenezer (bapt. Nether Chapel 1755-1812).  They were apprenticed to their father and became Freemen in 1768, 1769, and 1777, respectively.

It seems that the family business was William Parker & Co at Holy Croft (Hawley Croft) in the town centre.  It was listed in 1774 – after the founder had died – as a table knife cutler and manufacturer of iron and steel.  The trade mark included a device featuring ‘V I’.  William Jun. had presumably died, too, by 1781.  In that year, Thomas and Ebenezer were listed as cutlers and factors at Holy Croft.  According to Leader (1905-6)¹, Thomas and Ebenezer incurred the displeasure of the Company of Cutlers by manufacturing cast iron forks, which – as they were not made of steel – were classed as ‘deceitful wares’.   In 1779, the Parkers resisted attempts by the Searchers of the Company to gain access to their premises and were later fined.  In 1782, Thomas and Ebenezer became bankrupt and were still paying off their debts in 1798.

The Sheffield directory (1787) listed Ebenezer Parker as a factor and manufacturer of table knives and forks, Lascar knives, knives for African and Quebec traders; and a dealer in blister and faggot[ed] steel.  His address was Eyre Street; his trade mark was ‘WITSIUS’.   The Parkers had links with the Holy family.  Thomas Parker had married Mary Holy (1755-1815), who was the daughter of Thomas Holy.  His brother, Ebenezer, seems to have become a partner in Daniel Holy’s silver plate and cutlery enterprise.  Ebenezer Parker, of Highfield, was buried at Nether Chapel on 31 January1812.  Thomas had died in 1806.  His sons were William (1783-1837) and Ebenezer (1790-1862), who both became cutlery merchants.  

^1. Leader, R E, History of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in the County of York (Sheffield, 1905-6)