Rushden's grand old man, Mr. George Skinner, in hale and hearty health, and the best of spirits, celebrated his 97th birthday on Tuesday amid the congratulations of a number of his descendants.

Mr. Skinner has seen Rushden in its infancy, one might almost say, and now contemplates its prosperous middle-age. His Rushden was a village, and is now an important manufacturing centre. Almost a centenarian, he is well and strong, and possesses all his faculties. His memory is truly wonderful, his eyesight good, and he can get about without assistance.

A few weeks ago he was out walking, when he met a friend. "How are you?" enquired the lady. "Not so well to-day, my girl," he replied. "I think I have walked a little too far." "Can I help you?" volunteered the lady. "Oh no! Thank you very much," refused the old gentleman. Mr. Skinner will not accept help, for he feels good enough to take his walk unaccompanied.

We extend our heartiest birthday greetings to Mr. Skinner, and trust he will live to enjoy (for he does enjoy them) many other birthdays.

Mr. Skinner has 28 great-grandchildren, 14 grandchildren, and two sons and one daughter. He was born at Rushden in a house opposite the church, and commenced his working days as a lad in the stable trade. Afterwards he became a butcher at Bedford, and, returning to Rushden about 1841, built up a successful business until 1865, when the management was taken over by his son, Councillor G. H. Skinner. From 1860 to 1890 he also carried on successful farming.

George and his family

George in 1911

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