Harry Cartwright was born at Northampton in 1869. He came to Rushden with his wife Emily Scrivens (born Avening GLS) after their marriage in 1883, and he first sold grindery.

A daughter Alice was born in 1884, a son Alfred in 1885 (Fred), and daughter Edith Sarah was born in 1885, but sadly she died in 1890. Son Charles was born in 1887, and a third son George Frederick was born in November 1889 but he died when just 10 days old. Another daughter Avila Violet was born in 1890.

In 1885 he was a shopkeeper in Wellingborough Road, and by 1898 he was trading as 'The General Stores' at 21 Higham Road as a 'maker of brilliant leather stains, ironmonger, lamp & oil dealer, stationer & tobacconist'.

He had moved to 4 High Street by 1900 where he classed himself a general dealer, and in 1902 moved next door to a take 6 High Street, and in 1906 added 8 High Street.

1906 announcing the opening of Sywell Reservoir. Crowds were filling the street and all looking towards the steps at the side of the Church. Announcements were often made from the Church area. clipped from a sepia postcard

In 1908 he moved again, to 121 High Street at the corner of West Street, formerly the property of Samuel Knight. In 1914 he was trading as a hardware & fancy goods merchant, and in 1926 he was a general dealer, selling fancy goods and toys, he was a gramophone agent, an ironmonger and a stationer. Here he continued until 1930.

Harry died in August 1937, and his wife died in 1942. They are buried in Rushden Cemetery in graves C364/365.