George Higginbotham was born in about 1773 in Taddington, Derbyshire, the son of William (a farmer) and Elizabeth.  George was listed as a maker of fine scissors in Blonk Street, the Wicker, after 1816.   He died from fever on 7 January 1838, aged 64, and was buried in an unconsecrated grave in the General Cemetery.  By his wife, Anna, he had two sons, George (1804-1884) and William (1810-1891), who continued as G. & W. Higginbotham, Blonk Street.  By 1849, their works address was at the ‘top of Rock Street’ (Burngreave Road).   At the Great Exhibition (1851), they won a Prize Medal for ornamented and gold scissors, and a ‘pair of fine scissors, made of refined steel, and hardened and tempered by a process not yet made public, which produces a durable edge and a brilliant polish.’ Higginbotham’s had moved to Joiner Lane by 1852 and was last listed in 1864.  The brothers had retired by 1871.  George died at Somerville, Westcliff, Bournemouth on 10 May 1884, leaving £8,011.  William died on 18 April 1891 and was buried in the family grave in the General Cemetery, leaving £15,597.