Samuel Osborn

Samuel Osborn headed one of Sheffield's great tool steelmaking families. He was born in Ecclesfield and began his career as a drapers apprentice but switched to manufacturing and set up his own file making business.

Osborn later moved to the Clyde Works in Sheffield's Wicker where, in 1870, he became the exclusive producer of Mushet's special steel. This very high quality alloy steel, made with tungsten, had been developed in 1858 by Robert Forrester Mushet from the Forest of Dean. At their peak, Osborns virtually monopolised the world's manufacture of tool steel.

Osborn also became a town councillor (1869), Master Cutler (1873), alderman (1890) and Mayor (1891). Because of ill health he was only able to attend a few council meetings and became the first Mayor of Sheffield to die during his year of office. After his death his sons took over the running of the business.