The whole of Rushden town and district paid a tribute to the memory of the late Mr. G. Skinner, who was laid to rest on Thursday. The deceased gentleman, who lived to the ripe age of 97 years, was a general favourite. He knew practically all the natives of the town personally, and usually greeted them by their Christian names. The mourners were: Mr. G. H. Skinner and Mr. W. Banks Skinner (sons), Mrs. Lovell (daughter), Mr. G. H. Skinner, jun. (grandson), Mr. Bert Skinner, Miss May Skinner, Mrs. G. H. Denton, Mrs. C. Claridge, Mr. Jack Skinner, Mr. Edward Skinner, Mrs. Rowlett, Mr. Bill Skinner, Mrs. Walker (grandchildren), Mr. C. Claridge, Mrs. Morris Skinner (daughter-in-law), Mr. G. Denton, jun., Mr. J. Rowlett (Wellingborough), Mrs. Bert Skinner, Mr. E. Walker (Keysoe), Mrs Edward Skinner, Dr. Greenfield, Messrs J. Claridge, J.P., C.C., G. S. Mason, W. M. Hensman, W. Chettle, W. Robinson, W. Packwood, S. Fox, H. H. Hobbs, A. T. P. Phillipson, A. Gadsby, W. Clarke, W. Denton, C. H. Knight, A. Childs, and C. Sharpe. Owing to being a representative of the County Council Public Health Committee, Mr. G. Miller, C.A., had to attend the first meeting to consider the new sanatorium scheme, and so was unable to attend the funeral. The coffin was of plain oak, with solid brass furniture, and the breastplate bore the inscription:— GEORGE SKINNER Died March 30th, 1914 Aged 97 years. The service at the church was conducted by the Rev. A. Kitchin, Vicar of Hardingstone and late Rector of Rushden, assisted by the Rev. Percy Robson (Rector). The organist, Mr. J. E. Smith, played "Lead, kindly Light" and "On the resurrection morning," and as the cortege was leaving the church the "Dead March" in "Saul." The robed choir was present. The cortege then proceeded to the cemetery. Note: A list of wreaths follows. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Whittington and Tomlin, Queen-street, Rushden.

Rushden Argus, 3rd April 1914, transcribed by Kay Collins Oldest Churchwarden - eath of Rushden’s Grand Old Man Nearly a Centenarian - The Late Mr. George Skinner who, even when a nonagenarian, regularly rode his three-wheeled steed with keen enjoyment. The whole county will learn with the deepest regret of the death of Rushden's Grand Old Man, Mr. G. Skinner, who on March 9th, celebrated his 97th birthday. The veteran passed away very peacefully at 5a.m. on Monday morning at the residence of his son, Coun. G. H. Skinner, Park-road, Rushden. The deceased gentleman caught a cold soon after his 97th birthday, and has since been ill. Grave fears were entertained on Sunday, when prayers for him were offered at the Parish Church, and the old gentleman died as stated. Mr. Skinner was born on March 10th, 1817, in a house opposite the Parish Church, which he served for 50 years or more as Vicar's warden. He commenced work at the staple trade, and afterwards became a butcher at Bedford. He returned to Rushden about 1841, and built up a very successful business, which in 1865 was taken over by his son, Coun. G. H. Skinner. Between 1860 and 1890 he farmed the Rushden Hall Farm, under Mr. F. H. Sartoris. Mr. Skinner in his old age enjoyed a good measure of health, and up to 1908, when he met with a slight accident, could often be seen riding a tricycle. Mr. Skinner at one time served as an overseer of the parish. Mr. Skinner leaves 28 great grandchildren, 14 grandchildren, and two sons and one daughter alive. He was Rushden's oldest inhabitant and the town was very proud of him. He was of a most genial disposition, and was a confirmed optimist.