Benjamin Huntsman (1704 - 1776)

Born 4 Jun 1704 in Epworth, Lincolnshire, England

Died 20 Jun 1776 at age 72 in Attercliffe, Yorkshire, England

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Biography

Benjamin Huntsman is Notable.

Benjamin was born in 1704. He passed away in 1776.
He invented crucible (or cast) steel which was more uniform in composition and freer from impurities than any steel previously produced which then made superior tools and cutlery. His method was the most significant development in steel production up to that time.
In 1770 he Huntsman moved his works to Worksop Road in Attercliffe, Sheffield. He was buried in a commemorative tomb in the Hilltop Cemetery, Attercliffe Common. The business was taken over by his son, William Huntsman (1733–1809).

Research Notes

Huntsman was born the fourth child of William and Mary (née Nainby) Huntsman, a Quaker farming couple, in Epworth, Lincolnshire. Some sources suggest that his parents were German immigrants, but it seems that they were both born in Lincolnshire.
Huntsman started business as a clock, lock and tool maker in Doncaster, Yorkshire. His reputation enabled him to also practice surgery in an experimental fashion and he was also consulted as an oculist.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Huntsman
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Huntsman
• https://www.quakersintheworld.org/quakers-in-action/288/Benjamin-Huntsman
• https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/benjamin-huntsman
• https://www.dhi.ac.uk/huntsman/history_stage3.html