Francis Beatson, who was born in about 1791, was a brass turner.  He apparently tried several trades – powder flask and shot belt maker (1828-29, Orchard Street), brass inkstand manufacturer (1833, Hawley Croft); and publican (Ball Inn, Grindlegate, 1841).  By 1846, he had begun the manufacturer of silver caps and ferrules for cutlery (and whip mounts).   He was based in Victoria Works, South Street.   His wife was Hannah and they had three sons:  William (1819-1872), Frank (c.1826-1870), and Charles (c.1828-1892).  Francis Beatson, ‘whip mount manufacturer’, died in South Street on 15 April 1853, aged 62.  His wife, Hannah, continued as Hannah Beatson & Sons.  Charles Eyre (unidentified) advertised in The Sheffield Independent, 16 October 1858, as ‘late Beatson & Sons’ at 49 South Street, and as ‘late Hannah Beatson’ in the directory (1859).  He then disappeared.  Hannah died in Bungay Street on 28 October 1860, aged 67.  Francis and Hannah were buried in St John’s churchyard, Park.   Their son, Frank, was a brass turner and also operated Livery Stables Inn, Union Lane.  He was insolvent by 1865.  He died on 25 May 1870 and was buried in Burngreave.  His younger brother, William, continued the family’s involvement with cap and ferrule manufacture (see William Beatson & Sons).  His older brother, Charles, was the progenitor of C .H. Beatson & Sons.