The Hawksleys had been involved in the file trade since the eighteenth century, when Joshua (the son of Benjamin) was granted his Freedom in 1764.  He had at least three sons: Thomas (bapt.1773-1822), Joshua (1776-1844), and Benjamin (bapt. 1779).  Thomas and Joshua Jun. became Freemen in 1794 and 1798, respectively.  By the early 1770s, the Hawksleys were file makers at Westbar Green.  Joshua was buried at the parish churchyard on 20 January 1800, aged  about 64 (apparently).  By then, the business was styled ‘& Sons’.  It had moved to Eyre Street by 1816.  At the start of the 1820s, it was based as a general merchant at Eyre Lane.  Thomas Hawksley died on 5 April 1822 (aged 48) and was buried at Ecclesall.  Joshua Jun. now assumed control of the firm, which had moved to West Street by 1828.  Joshua Hawksley, merchant, died at his residence at Glossop Road on 24 July 1844, aged 67.  His burial is untraced.  Hawksley & Sons continued to trade as a merchant at Gell Street (1845) and Market Place (1849).   The business was directed by James Bertram, who had married Joshua’s daughter, Elizabeth.