Samuel Skinner - in 1900 was "one of the quiet but modestly successful men, is content to hold on in the premises occupied by him for many years, and is not moved to rush into the new conditions of warfare and elbow others out, but evidently intends to take things quietly for the remainder of his days" as a boot and shoe manufacturer at 16 Rectory Road in 1903.

He was born in Rushden in 1844, son of Eli and Mary Skinner.

In 1871 he and his wife Elizabeth (nee Freeman, born at Raunds) whom he had married in 1866, were lodging in High Street. Samuel was working as a clicker. In 1881 they were living in Rectory Road, and Samuel was employing five men and two boys.