Samuel Knight, son of Saby and Elizabeth Knight, was born in 1831. He followed his father's trade as a carpenter. On the 4th June 1857 at St Mary's Church, he married to Sarah Ann Freeman (daughter of William, a shoemaker). In 1871 they were living at 56 High Street, and Sarah Ann and their two eldest daughters were dressmakers. They now had seven daughters, and one son.
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Rushden Argus, 24 Oct 1890
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In 1890 Samuel built a new house and shop for his drapery business at 121 High Street, corner of West Street. His eldest daughter, Sarah, was a milliner, Frances was a dressmaker and, Susan, Emma, Miriam and Edith were all working as draper's assistants.
Subsequently, owing to his business having largely increased, he erected a larger shop at 39 High Street.
The family lived at 1 West Street where Samuel, in 1901, now aged 70, was still a draper, but only two of his daughters remained in the household.
His daughter, Susan had married John William Shortland, boot maker, of the Tower Boot Works at Irthlingborough.
Samuel retired about 1902, and moved to 'Moorlands' in Kimbolton Road.
Note: If you have a photograph of these shops when Samuel Knight was trading there,
we'd be grateful to take a copy please.
High Street was not actually numbered until the mid-1890s.
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