INTRODUCTION

Welcome one and all. This web site is currently under re-construction, designed with elder researchers in mind, with a layout recommended for viewing specifically on full size computer monitors, and NOT hand on held devices NOR on mobile phones. The site has been developed so far, with many thanks for major input, from the 3 Australian born great grandchildren ( Jill, Michael, and Mixo ) of William Archer Skinner, born 1850 and Baptised in St Andrews Parish Holborn, Middlesex, via North West London, England.

A Skinner Family Crest.

The primary focus of this web site, is to briefly outline both the U.K. ascendants and Australian descendants of William Archer Skinner, and also provide a fairly detailed overview of the Skinner family involvement in the Tobacco, Cigar, and Snuff industries, and pipe making, in the West of London.

Pipemakers Crest from 1668. Courtesy tobaccolivery.org

We also gratefully acknowledge the researching expertise, fun collaboration, and fantastic input of data and images, from cousins Laurel Davies in Canada, January Zeh in Hawaii, Michael Bowen in China, and Les Hooper of Leicester in the U.K.. A great deal of time and energy has focussed upon creating an accurate, interesting, and visually descriptive representation of our Skinner family from actual bone fide records, wherever possible. Naturally your web site host is open to any feedback, corrections, or positive input, per the email link at the bottom of this page.

Earliest known photo of William Archer Skinner ( held in Australia ), circa 1860s, taken by Timms of 31 High Holborn, London. Photo courtesy the late Pamela M. S. Bell, nee Barringer, of Tunbridge Wells, UK.

Unfortunately the above original photo has not been labelled or dated, yet from the ellaborate crest printed on the back of similar photos by Timms, the studio was at 31 High Holborn, a 5 minute stroll from where William Archer Skinner was raised at 92 & 93 Holborn Hill in Middlesex, a little over a mile North West of Central London. It is fairly safe to presume this photo was taken between the late 1860s, before he left England for Quebec on board the SS Medway in 1871, or sometime before he emigrated to Australia in Sep 1876, on board the SS Durham.

The SS Medway. Courtesy Wikipedia.

Briefly, our William Archer Skinner, or "Will" as he was known, sailed to Quebec in Canada in 1871, and traversed the United States to Nebraska, where he met up with his mother Elizabeth Thomasin Skinner nee Tupling, 7 of his siblings, and his betrothed Minnie Raine, whom had all arrived Stateside in the previous year. The initial attraction of these well established Londoners to Nebraska USA, was due to a Settlers Scheme, established by the State of Nebraska to populate the area around Liberty, and parcels of Indian land were offered for a nominal fee, under specific conditions. We should also consider that the entire family was probably still grieving the death of John Henry Stansfield Skinner, Elizabeth's husband, in Hertford in Jan of 1870. Some 22 days after arriving in Quebec, William Archer Skinner trecked across country to Nebraska, and he married Minnie ( Marion Elizabeth Raine born 1851 in Clerkenwell ), however sadly she passed away some 2 months later. Resultantly, Will returned to England, and later emigrated to Victoria, Australia in 1876, where he started a new life.

PARENTS OF WILLIAM ARCHER SKINNER.

John Henry Stansfield Skinner, William Archer Skinner's father, photo circa 1860s by J F Timms of 31 High Holborn. Photo courtesy of the late Pamela M. S. Bell, nee Barringer, of Tunbridge Wells, UK.

Quite simply, Will's father, John Henry Stansfield Skinner was a strong family orientated man, having 13 children in total, with his wife Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling. He ran his own Tobacconist shop on the ground floor at 92 & 93 Holborn Hill, where according to the 1851 Census, he employed 2 men and 2 boys, and the 3 floors above the shop, was where their ??? surviving children were raised, with the assistance of a hired cook / housemaid, a wet nurse, and a nurserymaid.

1851 Census record of William Archer Skinner aged 3 months, living at 92 & 93 Holborn Hill, the Skinner family residence and Tobacconist shop in Middlesex, via North West London.

In other words, John Henry Stansfield Skinner was quite a successful tobacconist, relatively financially well off, and from some of his numerous means of business promotions per Directory Listings and reviews shown further below, he had obviously learnt well from his own father, his grandfather, an uncle too, and 3 brothers, all of whom were either Tobacco importers, and Snuff &/or Cigar manufacturers.


Baptism record for Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling at St Clements Danes church in 1820.

Photo of Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling, Will's mother, taken circa late 1860s by David Rees of Atkinson Place, SW London. Photo courtesy the late Pamela M. S. Bell, nee Barringer, of Tunbridge Wells, UK.

Elizabeth Thomasin Skinner nee Tupling, born 1817 at St Clements Danes, was the daughter of Benjamin Tupling and Elizabeth Arthur. Benjamin and Elizabeth Tupling resided at 191 Strand, and according to UK Poll records of the early 1820s, he was a jeweller and gold-smith at this location, almost opposite St. Clements Danes church, in the Strand.

Painting of Benjamin Tupling originally of Lincolnshire, circa 1820s, Father of Elizabeth Thomasine Tupling. Photo courtesy the late Pamela M. S. Bell, nee Barringer, of Tunbridge Wells, UK.

Marriage Banns from Clerkenwell in 1812 for Benjamin Tupling and Elizabeth Arthur.

Painting of Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling as a child, with her mother Elizabeth Arthur, circa 1822.
Photo courtesy of the late Pamela M. S. Bell, nee Barringer, of Tunbridge Wells, UK.

UK Poll records for 1819, regarding Benjamin Tupling at 191 Strand, jeweller from Middlesex, West London.

There were two other notable family connections with the children of Benjamin Tupling and Elizabeth Arthur within this Timeframe, being the marriages of Charles John Stanfield Skinner to Ellen Tupling in 1840 at Tottenham, and Henry Hooper, son of John Calvert Hooper and Rebecca Skinner with Agusta Tupling, in 1845 at St Pancras church in Euston Rd. Other Hooper family links are clairified further down this page.

Marriage of Charles John Stansfield Skinner and Ellen Tupling in 1840, at All Hallows, Tottenham.

Marriage of Henry Hooper to Agusta Tupling in 1845 at St Pancras church.

Click to review enlargement of Pedigree of William Archer Skinner.

Generational Pedigree view of the children of William Archer Skinner and Elizabeth Jane Angus ( Generation 5 at left ), all born in Australia, and outlines William Archer Skinners' parents connections to the local Tupling and Hooper families ( Gen 2 ). It goes back as far as his great grandparents John Skinner, tobacconist, born in 1736 at St Sepulches, and Elizabeth Willson born 1737 at St Clements Danes ( Gen 1 ).
In order to help our web site visitors become orientated with the names of immediate Skinner family and some relations by marriage, family places of residence and business, plus the old-time localities of appropriate Parish Churches where many family Records were originally held, we have endeavoured to provide a factual and visual overview timeline of events, as outlined on this Skinner Home Page.

St Andrews Church in Holborn, in 1868, showing workers who finished the nearby Holborn Viaduct c1870.
Image is looking due East from St Andrews Church - courtesy www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

NB. The church in the background is St Sepulchres Church, located only about a quarter of a mile away from where this image was created. Immediately behind St Andrews Church is what is still known as Shoe Lane, and there are numerous references to our early Skinner generations, managing their Tobacconist Shop, "opposite St Andrews Church", which according to Census record of 1851, was noted 92 & 93 Holborn Hill, Middlesex, adjacent to Shoe Lane.

An old time map of London to help get your bearings, with family places of interest highlighted in red.
Parish Churches highlighted in purple - Courtesy Mapco.net
Click to view enlarged map

For those not familiar with this region, its about one and a half miles ( two kilometres ) North West of Central London, and to relate to the the sense of scale, the distance between St Clements Danes church at the bottom left and West Smithfield at top right, is well under a 1 mile across ( approx 800 metres ), with the Thames River which flows through London, at the bottom. It is also worth noting Henry John Skinner, ran another Tobacco shop at 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square in 1810, which was situated nearly a mile west ( to the left ) of this map.

St Clements, Danes, The Strand, near Temple Bar, London Circa 1880s - an every day scene.
Courtesy RAF.mod.uk - artist / lithographer unknown.

The above regional map also indicates the locations of regional Parishes, such as St Andrews & St Sepulchres in Holborn, and St Clements Danes on the Strand, Temple Bar, where our Skinner family predominantly registered their respective births, marriages, and deaths, as well as the residences where they lived. What was common in these early times, a family often resided in the same premises actually above their business on ground level, as was often the case of our early Skinner clan, whom ran a number of businesses, formally registered as Tobacco & Cigar Importers, and custom Snuff Manufacturers.

The numerous connections by marriage between the Skinner, Hooper, and Tupling families mentioned are quite complex, and not easy to outline, due to 3 Skinner / Hooper intermarriages, and 2 Skinner / Tupling intermarriages around the 1790s and early 1800s. Therefore, we highly recommend serious researchers and Skinner / Hooper / Tupling descendants, review the outstanding compilation of Skinner records, listed by cousin January Zeh, Hawaii,


Our Skinner family Tree at Ancestry.com

SITE CONTENT AND NAVIGATION

The following links will open a new Tab or Window, if you wish to review some detailed research on our Aussie born relatives -

Life and travels of William Archer Skinner, from London, to Nebraska USA, Victoria & Tasmania, Australia.

A great portrait of William Archer Skinner, taken at Tuttle and Co in Elizabeth St., Melbourne Australia, circa early 1880s.

A rare photo of Elizabeth Jane Angus, second wife of William Archer Skinner, photo taken circa 1880s at VanDyke studios, Bourke street Melbourne. This particular photo was most likely taken not long before William Archer Skinner met with Elizabeth Jane Angus, as they married in Jan 1887 at Janes parents house.


Review our Angus Family links from 1740s here.

Angus family at Ancestry.com

CHILDREN OF WILLIAM ARCHER SKINNER & ELIZABETH JANE ANGUS
- BORN IN AUSTRALIA

The following three children of William Archer Skinner, and his second wife Elizabeth Jane Angus, being Ruby Winifred Skinner, Archer Angus Skinner, and Bertha Agnes Skinner, are the only known and confirmed Skinner descendants of our family branch in Australia, as outlined in the Skinner Links below :-

Ruby Winifred Skinner - eldest daughter of William Archer Skinner and Elizabeth Jane Angus,
Born 1888 Carlton, Victoria, Australia.

Ruby Winifred Sydenham nee Skinner, at left, aged approx 12 years, with brother Archer Angus Skinner about 10 years old, circa 1900. Ruby served as a nurse in WW1 firstly in Egypt, then married Captain Alwyn Francis Sydenham, of the 18th Light Horse AIF. After their marriage, they both continued service in Punjab in northern India till the early 1920s, Alwyn with the Bengal Lancers, and Ruby as a nurse. They had two children, Elizabeth ( Betty ) S.B. Bowen nee Sydenham, and John Francis S.B. Sydenham in the 1920s.

Notice of marriage of Ruby Winifred Skinner to Alwyn Francis Sydenham on 12th Jan 1920, at St Andrews Church, Alvie, Victoria.

Archer Angus Skinner - only son of William Archer Skinner and Elizabeth Jane Angus,
Born 1890, Andersons Inlet via Inverloch, Victoria, Australia.

Archer Angus Skinner shown at top right of this World War One service photo. Archer was a sargeant in the 12th Battalion, and was wounded twice, once on the Galipoli Peninsula in 1915, and returned to Tasmania in 1916, after lengthy hospitalization in England.

Coincidentally, this was the same year his future bride, Margaret Green Cormack ( aunty Rita ) graduated with a Master of Arts degree, from Edingurgh University in Scotland. They married in Edinburgh Scotland in 1918, and moved to Victoria, Australia, however they had no children.
Courtesy Sydenham family photo collection.

Bertha Agnes Skinner - second daughter of William Archer Skinner and Elizabeth Jane Angus.

Bertha Agnes Skinner at rear on right - Kindergarten teacher with her pupils, photo taken circa 1950.

Born 1900, Ulverstone, Tasmania, Bertha lived most of her adult life in Balaclava Road, Caulfield, east of Melbourne Victoria. Bertha never married, yet she adored teaching young children, and did have wonderful relationships with her Bowen and Sydenham family relations.
Courtesy Sydenham family photo collection.


Inset of Skinner Trading card logo, from the business at 243 Strand, London, showing traditional tobacco rolls and leaves. Image Courtesy British Museum.

Firstly, we do not condone, nor wish to promote smoking in any way or form to any degree, however the Skinner families entreprenaurial efforts in the Tobacco and Cigar importation and custom Snuff Manufacturing industries, were quite prolific and mostly financially successful, which helped family survival and growth, therefore warranting the following collation of selected records, in close to chronological order.

The Aroma of Cuba - handmade cigars. Courtesy wordpress.com

A number of family business partnerships were formally dissolved as circumstanced evolved, as did the need for expansion, with some shop front premises with dwellings upstairs, often exchanged hands between various Skinner family members. Due the many references found on-line, confirming to their abilities to advertise and promote their businesses in Merchant Directories, newspaper advertisements and magazine reviews, the Skinner family seemed to assist and strengthen their individual and collective successes and development, by incorporating and networking immediate family and relatives as formal business partners.

Lithograph of St Sepulchres church, from 1737. Courtesy britishhistory.ac.uk


TIMEFRAME - 1750s to 1790s.

Starting with Generation one, and going by records located to date, we are unable to confirm Baptism or parentage details of our John Skinner, however it is estimated his birth was likely to have been in the 1730s, probably located in the whereabouts of St Sepulchre or St Andrews Parishes. It appears our John Skinner led the way into establishing a number of Skinner Tobacco Importing and Snuff retailing business, to the East and North East of central London, from around the 1750s to the early 1800s.

An English gentleman partaking in snuff. Courtesy briarsshoppe.wordpress.com

A little about - Not Tobacco or Cigars, but SNUFF.

For the benefit of many of us today, who may know something relevant about tobacco and cigars, however may be totally unfamiliar in regards to the taking of Snuff, a fairly descriptive extract is provided, per courtesy of www.mikerendell.com -

"Snuff had been brought to the attention of the courts of Europe by Jean Nicot (hence ‘nicotine’) during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He recommended it as a cure for the migraines suffered by the French King Francis II, and taking snuff quickly became popular and was frequently used for its “medicinal properties.” For the next 150 years the use of snuff in England slowly became more common.

Postcard of the Old Snuff Mill at Stapleton, by Garrett. Courtesy picklic.co.uk

"At that time there were few mills in the country to grind the tobacco leaf into powder, and users therefore made up their own daily supply – so as to keep it fresh. Hence they would have a small container like a tinderbox, designed to hold the tightly bound rolls of tobacco leaf, known as a carotte, so that they could be ground up, using a rasp or file attached to the box."

A typical sample English metal snuff box for auction. Courtesy Ebay.

"The grater or rasp gave its name to the most common type of snuff, called rapé. Each carotte was like a strand of rope, as thick as a man’s thumb. The powder generated by the rasp was then allowed to fall through to another compartment, from where it could be removed a few grains at a time."

"A Pair of Snuffers" by John Phillips. Courtesy Lewis Walpole Library.

Snuff boxes of early times were often made out of paper mache, then hand painted and lacquered. Other types were made of wood - sometimes hand carved and decorated, some in patterned metals with custom engraving, and some were occasionally from decorated animal horn.

John Skinner and John Fisher, Tobacconists, 80 West Smithfield, Middlesex via London.

The earliest confirmed official record of our John Skinner being directly involved in the Tobacco Industry in the outskirts of London, is as follows, per notations of extensive research by cousin Laurel Davies, stating a business partnership, with John Skinner and John Fisher, whom were operating a tobacco distribution business in 1759, within the Rose Inn Yard, at 80 West Smithfield.

Painting of the Rose Yard Inn, 80 West Smithfield, looking due South, by Frederick N Sheppard.
Courtesy allposters.com ( Picture actually completed in 1838 ).

Further investigations have revealed, that according to a Baileys Court hearing of this era, confirms the Rose Yard Inn also operated as a "Waggon Office", as portrayed in the painting itself. This Rose Inn Yard painting, where John Fisher and John Skinner ran their Tobacco business from the 1750s, also confirms the Rose Inn Yard and Waggon Office were in very close proximity of St Sepulchres Church, obviously identified in the background from its four very distinctive spires, only a few lanes away, ( behind Hosier Lane & Cock Lane ) in the southerly direction of the site of the Rose Inn tavern.

Inset of old time map ( Horwood to Smithfield 1790s ), showing southerly view to St Sepulchres Church from Rose Inn Yard, at 80 West Smithfield. It is also intended to display the very close proximity John Skinner's first place of business, to St Andrews Church Holborn, and the later Skinner Tobacconist shop at 92 / 93 Holborn.

Earliest known Skinner Tobacconist Trading Card, circa 1770 - 1780s at No. 80 West Smithfield.
Courtesy British Museum.

Research within the British Museum web site, has divulged a very interesting authenticated image, of what is believed to be the very first Skinner Tobacconist promotion at the Rose Inn yard at 80 West Smithfield, via the means of this Trading Card as displayed here.

FAMILY OF JOHN SKINNER AND ELIZABETH WILLSON

John Skinner was "made Free" of the Glover's Company on 10 Jun 1767, which basically means he finished his apprenticeship bond. The following year, he married Elizabeth Willson on 11 Feb 1768 at St. Clement Danes, The Strand, Westminster, and they had 3 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom were baptised at the same St Clements, Danes church. A brief summary of their children follows, however for an extensive outline, through to many current Skinner descendant, we thoroughly recommend review of research by January Zeh at Ancestry.com


Our Skinner family Tree at Ancestry.com

Elizabeth Willson was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Willson.

Land Tax John Willson of Earle Street.

Marriage record of John Skinner and Elizabeth Willson in 1768 at St Clements Danes. Courtesy Ancestry.com

Sadly their first born son Daniel died during infancy, however both the two survivng sons carried on in their fathers footsteps, and their eldest daughter Rebecca married John Hooper, also a well known Tobacconist family from King St in Reading. Their second daughter Jane also died in infancy, just before reaching the age of two, in 1778.

• 1769 - Mary Ann Skinner was baptized on 29 May 1770 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Baptism of Mary Ann Skinner at St Clements Danes on 23 Jan 1769.

• 1770 - Daniel Skinner was baptized on 29 May 1770 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Original hand written Baptism record on 29th May 1770, at St Clements Danes, for Daniel Skinner ( at bottom of this record ), who died the following year. Courtesy Ancestry.com

• 1772 - William Henry Skinner was baptized on 20 Feb 1772 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Baptism record of William Henry Skinner, at St Clements Danes, The Strand, Temple Bar on 20 Feb 1772.
Courtesy Ancestry.com

• 1773 - Rebecca Skinner was baptized on 13 Jul 1773 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Marriage oath of Rebecca Skinner to John Calvert Hooper, signed on 13 Nov 1798.

• 1775 - Henry Skinner was baptized on 20 Apr 1775 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Record of Baptism of Henry Skinner at St Clements Danes, Strand, on 20th Apr 1775. Courtesy Ancestry.com

Digitial Record of John Skinner taking on John Wilson as an apprectice in 1776.

The same handwritten record of John Skinner ( shown in red ) taking on apprectice John Wilson in 1776.

It is believed the apprenctice taken on here in 1776 was his brother-in-law John Wilson, after his father-in-law John Willson senior passed away??? It may be percieved as a kindly thing, and the right thing to do, that is to look after relations, after the death of such a close family member.

• 1776 - Jane Skinner was baptized on 10 Dec 1776 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Death record of Jane Skinner at St Clements Danes, aged 2 years. Courtesy Ancestry.com

• 1778 - Charlotte Skinner was baptized in Sep 1778 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

Charlotte Skinner married John James Meredith in 1805 when she was about 27 years of age.

As one may obviously surmise from the above 6 records of these 6 Skinner children, St Clements, Danes Church on the Strand, could well be regarded as "Skinner home territory", or maybe as termed in Australia, as the "old family stomping ground". According to the Baileys Northern Directory of 1781, this particular partnership of Skinner & Fisher Tobacconists was registered and succesfully operating business, from 80 West Smithfield, St Sepulchres, per the following listing.

Baileys Northern Directory confirming John Fisher and John Skinner in a business partnership at 80 West Smithfield, in 1781. Courtesy Ancestry.com

• 1781 - Sarah Skinner was baptized on 29 Jul 1781 at St. Clement Danes, Westminster.

It has not been confirmed to date, as to the success or otherwise, of this particular Fisher and Skinner business partnership, from the 1760's at 80 West Smithfield as listed, however the following record does indicate that John Skinner progressed to also running and insuring his own tobacconist business at 243 Strand, London, in 1785 as illustrated here.

A very early Fire Insurance record for John Skinner's Tobacco Shop at 243 Strand, Temple Bar, in 1785.
Courtesy UK Data Archives.

The record below indicates an on-going business partnership and intersest in a Tobacco outlet with John Fisher at number 80 West Smithfield, some 5 years later in 1790, plus a rather entreprenaurial expansion to an additional Tobacco retail venue at 243 Strand near Temple Bar.

A well preserved and impressive sales receipt from John Skinner at 80 West Smithfield, on 24 Oct 1789.
Courtesy British Museum on line.

A simple observation, relative not only to the above sales docket, but also to the other Fisher and Skinner business records and references found to date, there are very few mentions of John Fisher at all, let alone his signature on a document. One may ponder as to the actual partnership arrangements, it financial structure, and who may have performed whatever business tasks to be done between John Skinner and John Fisher, at the time this receipt was written.

Another Skinner Tobacco trading card, estimated to be from around the 1780s, at 240 Strand, Temple Bar, West London. Courtesy British Museum.

Kindly note - Businesses of this era had what were called "Trading Cards" professionally printed, and were handed out to clients, as modern day business cards are used to promote companies. It appears quite obvious our John Skinner had a very good mentor, or perhaps a great natural business sense, regarding gaining and improving trade and customers.

1790 listing for tobacconist John Skinner by Wakefield's Merchant and Tradesmans Directory.

From the above Wakefields Merchants Listing, it's worth pointing out, it was quite common that some errors may have been incorrectly transcribed in the recording of details from this era, considering the original Tobacconist premises of Fisher and Skinner was known to be situated at 80 West Smithfield ( and not number 180 as shown ).

On the other hand, 5 other formal Directory listings of John Skinner's tobacconist shop, have been found as being located at number 240 Strand during this time frame. However, for some unknown reason, perhaps a re-numbering of street numbers, numerous other later records definitley denote John Skinner managing his second, and well renowned Tobacco outlet, located at 243 Strand.

1790 listing for tobacconist John Skinner by Baileys London Directory, noted as 247 Strand.
This is the only located record of Skinner Tobacconists at 247 Strand.

According to the New Monthly magazine of 1839, per Whiting of Beaufort House, Strand, P119 -123, this interesting review states -

"The snuff I speak of is some nineteen or twenty years old, and for a brown has more flavour than any I ever met with. I must now lead my reader by the nose, and introduce him to Mr. Skinner, some five or six doors west of Temple-bar. It will be some time before a stranger will become accustomed to the flavour of Mr. Skinner's snuffs, they are peculiarly strong, rich, and full, more adapted probably to the gourmand than the epicure.

A hand painted Snuff Box displaying Westminster Bridge c1770s, about a mile from the Strand.
Courtesy sellingantiques.co.uk

I take generally as a winter snuff, Mr. Skinner's own mixture, and find it especially comforting—of course he will not divulge the secret of his mixture, but I have nearly hit upon it on more than one occasion; it is composed I think of Cuba, a little of the best black Rafe, Bureau, and Paris, these judiciously apportioned will be found a very tolerable imitation. If the Cuba Mr. Skinner mixes with the other snuffs, were a trifle older, the whole would be materially improved ; — it is a capital snuff, however, as it is; indeed, all my friends pronounce it superlative.

An old Cuban Leaf box lid. Courtesy Pinterest.

There is a branch establishment on Holborn Hill — a little poking place of great antiquity, looking more like the entrance to a dustman's underground habitation, than a wealthy citizen's warehouse: but it contains treasures invaluable to the real connoisseur. This little unpretending apology for a shop is under the superintendence of a dumpy sexagenarian, rejoicing in the patronymic of Gibbins — he sports a snuff-coloured scratch, and is eloquent in the praise of his employer's commodities. He has been the presiding genius of this place for upwards of forty years, and is quite 'a character;' he never was known to give credit for an ounce of the weed during the above period, and I am certain if the Duke of Northumberland himself were to have his box filled and defer the payment to a future occasion, old Gibbins would empty the contents back again into the jar, and say, "No money — no snuff." He has offended many a wealthy customer, and would still, if the choleric little animal was not well known to all his master's regular pratiques. Old Gibbins has a batch of magnificent Marino, of which he is justly proud — it is decidedly good and finely flavoured. If he speak truly the snuff is very old indeed; he charges rather more for it, than the others, but it is cheap at any price."

Painting of the western side of Temple Bar "going city-wards" by John Collett in 1770. Courtesy Pinterest.

NB. The building on the immediate front and left of this painting is basically where the Law Courts stand today, and the red brick building on the right, is 5 or 6 doors west of Temple Bar, which is where a number of references verify the locality of the Skinner Tobacconist outlet, probably 240 or 243 The Strand.

A great looking innovative Trading Card, produced by John Skinner to promote his latest Tobacco outlet at 243 Strand, circa 1780's to 1790s.
Courtesy British Museum.

London Directory of 1794 showing John Skinner registered as a Tobacconist at 243 Strand, near Temple Bar.

Marriage of Ann Hooper to William Henry Skinner at St Clements Danes, in 1794. Courtesy Ancestry.com

According to the very noticeable lack of records in his name in the late 1790s, it appears John Skinner, aged approx in his early to mid 60s, may have retired, or was at least well into the process of establishing a future income in the Tobacco trade, for his children and future grandchildren. John Skinner obviously knew, and worked the value of advertising, as records confirm that he consistently advertised his Skinner Tobacco businesses from 1759 till at least 1794, via such means as :-

The Compleat Guide to all persons who have any Trade - Smithfield,
Andrew's new London Directory,
Baileys London Directory,
Wakefields Directory of Smithfield,
Universal Pocket Companion,
and Kents Directory of Smithfield, and London and Westminster.

By this year of 1798, according to researched records, all his usual modes of advertising had ceased, and the last known formal document relating to John Skinner, was his signature on the marriage record of his daughter Rebecca to John Hooper on 5 Dec 1798, St. Clement Danes, on the Strand.

Marriage record for Rebecca Skinner and John Calvert Hooper in 1798 at St Clement Danes.
Courtesy Ancestry.com

Mary Hooper's marriage record of 1798 to Henry Skinner at St Clements on The Strand at Westminster.
Courtesy Ancestry.com

It seems logical to presume, as was the tradition of this era, that the eldest surviving son, ( in this instance William Henry Skinner, born 1772 ) took over as head of the household, provided for retired parents, and took care of the family business arrangements.

1798 Land Tax record for William & Henry John Skinner, for amount of £6 and 5 Shillings, for Temple Bar Ward, St Clements Danes and St Mary Le Strand, Westminster, for the Skinner shop and dwelling at 243 Strand.

< = = = = = = = = = = >

Before going fully into the next Timeframe of Skinner records from 1800s - 1840, it has been deemed necessary for reasons of continuity and flow to respectfully cover our Hooper family ties, to skip a little out of proper chronological order. It is intended following colour coded diagram and Generational listings, will make it relatively easy for our new web site visitors, to follow the rather complex structure of the succeeding Skinner generations of Tobacconists and Snuff dealers from Middlesex and Westminster.

Diagram showing 5 generations of Skinner Tobacconists.

What may be described by some, as "The Skinner family Tobacco Dynasty", spanned 5 known generations, commencing with John Skinner and his partner John Fisher at 80 West Smithfield in the 1750s, continuing to at least the ventures of Russell William John Henry Skinner ( 1864–1904 ), one of our William Archer Skinners many second cousins, as outlined here.

John Skinner born c1730's - Tobacco partnership with John Fisher - Tobacconist,
@ 80, 180, West Smithfield, & 240, 243, 247, Strand, Westminster.

John Willson born c1700's - father of Elizabeth Wilson ( John Skinner's wife ) - Tobacconist
@ Earle Street, Middlesex.

William Henry Skinner born 1772, married Ann Hooper and had no children - Tobacconist,
@ 243 Strand, Westminster.

Rebecca Skinner born 1773 - Husband John Calvert Hooper born 1779 Fetter Lane, London - Tobacconist
@ 9 King St Reading, London St Reading, in Berkshire.

Henry Skinner born 1775 - married Mary Hooper born 1776, and had 4 Tobacconist sons, - Tobacconist,
@ 243 Strand, Westminster, & 67 Holborn Bridge, Middlesex.

William Hooper born 1805 at Reading - son of Rebecca Skinner and John Calvert Hooper, married Mary Ann Yard Willats born 1804 at Reading, - Tobacconist,
@ 128 London Street, Reading, Berkshire.

NB. The following 4 Skinner Tobacconists, were all children of Henry Skinner and Mary Hooper.

> William David Skinner born 1801 - married Ann Davis born 1801, from Shropshire, and they had 6 children, - Tobacconist,
@ 243 Strand, and 5 Crown Row and 12 Crown Row, Walworth, Surrey.

> Henry John Skinner born 1802 - married Mary Ann Hooper born 1802, - Tobacconist,
@ 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square, and 67 Holborn Hill.

> John Henry Stansfield Skinner born 1810 - married Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling born 1820, and had 13 children, - Tobacconist & Snuff maker,
@ 67 Holborn Bridge, and 92 & 93 Holborn Hill, Middlesex

> Charles John Stansfield Skinner born 1813 - married Ellen Tupling born 1822, no children, - Tobacconist,
@ 243 Strand, Westminster.

>> William Hooper Skinner born 1827 - son of Henry John Skinner and Mary Ann Hooper, in 1853 married Johanna Weissert born 1830 from Bavaria, - Tobacconist,
@ Brent, Wembley.

>> John Henry Skinner Jnr born 1836 - son of John Henry Stansfield Skinner and Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling - Tobacconist,
@ 92 & 93 Holborn Hill, Middlesex.

>> Richard Russell Skinner born 1840 - son of William David Skinner and Ann Davis, married twice and to Mary Murphy and had two children, including Russell William John Henry Skinner, as Gen 5 below - Tobacconist,
@ 221 Strand, Westminster

>>> Russell William John Henry Skinner born 1864 - son of Richard Russell Skinner and Mary Murphy, - Tobacconist,
@ West Brighton, Sussex.


An early painting of Fetter Lane where the Hooper family lived, by J. H. Wilson.
Courtesy allposters.com

HOOPER FAMILY AND TOBACCO BUSINESS CONNECTIONS TO THE MID 1800s.

It is logical to commence our Skinner / Hooper family connection overview, from the life and household of John Hooper, born 1742, of 28 Fetter Lane, situated only a few hundred yards from St Andrews Church in Holborn. According to his Last Will and Testament of 1792, John Hooper had 4 children, Ann, Mary, Eleanora, & John Calvert, with his household servant Ann Lambert, recorded here as Ann Hooper.

Baptism of John Calvert Hooper, for 27 Jun 1779 ( born Apr at Fetter Lane ). Courtesy Ancestry.com

His only son John Calvert Hooper, married Rebecca Skinner in 1798 at St Clement Danes, the only daughter of our John Skinner and Elizabeth Willson, our only confirmed first Skinner Generation members. Both Ann and Mary Hooper mentioned here, married into the same Skinner family, with Ann marrying William Henry Skinner in 1794, and Mary marrying Henry Skinner in 1798, also at St Clements Danes on The Strand.

Hooper and Skinner marriages of this generation. Courtesy Ancestry.com

John Calvert Hooper married Rebecca Skinner - 05 Dec 1798, St Clement Danes.
William Henry Skinner married Ann Hooper - 12 Jun 1794, St Clement Danes.
Henry Skinner married Mary Hooper - 07 Nov 1798, St Clement Danes.

Records indicate John Hooper was an Attorney at Law, and a Clerk in Edward Montague's Office, and his Last Will and Testamant states as follows :-

"The Will of John Hooper.
No. 28 Fetter Lane London. Whereas I am possessed of a Freehold House in Fetter Lane No. 28 & also of a Freehold set of Chambers & pair of stairs No. 4 Essex Court and having 4 children Ann Mary Eleanora & John by a servant maid namely Ann Lambert who . . . "

Insurance record for William Skinner and Co. of this timeframe, for the propereties of 243 Strand, 23 Fetter Lane, and 4 Essex Court. Courtesy Ancestry.com

At first glance, this particular record appeared to be just like any other old Skinner record. However in reality, it is quite typical of numerous Skinner Insurance policies, which commonly covered insurance during this era, for premises held owned by relations by marriage, as in this instance. The reference to 4 Essex Court is a quite obvious cover to John Hooper's Chambers at 4 Essex Court, however the above insurance cover for 23 Fetter Lane ( baker ) has not yet been clarified.

Skinner / Hooper Newspaper advertisement - Reading Mercury, 15 Sep 1800. Courtesy findmypast.com

According to the wording of this advert, the Partnership of Skinner and Hooper expanded from London to also encompass an outlet at Reading in 1800, by means of a "Manufactory", quite a large business venture, obviously intended to entice local dealers to purchase substantial quantities of Tobacco and Snuff, for retailing purposes.

Family recollections, per Leslie Hooper of Leicester U.K., are -
"I think it was REBECCA's father JOHN SKINNER, that helped to set up her husband JOHN ( CALVERT ) HOOPER in the tobacconist business in Reading. JOHN ( CALVERT ) HOOPER then set up his own shop and factory in London St. Reading in 1810 but he died the next year in 1811. REBECCA ran the business until her son WILLIAM HOOPER took over in about 1820 but he went bankrupt in 1844."

Insolvency notice in The Jurist in 1842 for William Hooper of London Street, Reading.

In order to portray a fuller background into this Hooper family overview, it is hoped you also appreciate some local knowledge of David Nash Ford's research, entitled "Royal Berkshire history" as reproduced here, courtesy berkshirehistory.com

"In 1800, Skinner & Hooper opened a tobacco factory in King Street, one assumes on the south side where there was room behind the shops, north of Yield Hall Place. The Hoopers were a family of well-known surgeons in the town. Around the time of the factory opening, Dr. John Hooper Junior (1764-1842) was practicing in King Street. He was an expert in ‘diseases of the eye’. In 1837, his son, William Hooper (1805-1844), was also a tobacconist at 128 London Street, so presumably they were related to the first William in some way."

King Street Reading in the Georgian period, c1800. Courtesy berkshirehistory.com

In respect to Hoopers, the tobacconists of King St Reading, David Nash Ford continues, noting
"Kirkshaw's Fishmonger's, next door at No. 9 (and adjoining the George Inn), switched to selling 'hams, pickles and sauces' in 1840. It become Mrs. Rebecca Hooper's Tobacconist's around 1842."

"In 1850, Samuel Barter took over the business, selling a 'choice stock of foreign cigars of the best brands; also a large assortment of British-made [brands] ... Innkeepers supplied on very liberal terms' as well as tobacco from his own factory in Virginia Wharf where he employed ten men."

Death record of Mrs. Rebecca Hooper nee Skinner of 1856, at Reading, Berkshire.


TIMEFRAME - 1800s to 1840s.

At the turn of this century into the 1800's, with the seemingly imminent retirement of John Skinner, and family growth of his many future grand children during this period, the need to focus more-so upon those family directly related in Skinner Tobacco, Cigar and Snuff businesses has come to the fore. It was basically up to the children of second surviving son, Henry John Skinner and his wife Mary Ann Hooper, to carry on the Skinner family tradition, or legacy if you like, of being strong players in the London Tobacco, Cigar, and Snuff industries.

Early Tobacco Trading card for "Skinner Tobacco & Snuff Manufacturer" of 243 Strand, Temple Bar, London.
Circa 1800 - Courtesy British Museum on line.

The first four sons of Henry John and Mary Ann Skinner, William David Skinner born 1801, Henry John Skinner born 1802, John Henry Stansfield Skinner born 1811, and Charles John Stansfield Skinner born 1813, all became Tobacconists from early ages. Sadly their fifth son Frederick John Skinner died as an infant in 1817 at The Strand, and was buried at St Clements, Danes.

Kents Directory of 1802 showing brothers William Henry Skinner and Henry John Skinner operating together as Tobacconists at 243 Strand.

The Kents Directory Listings of 1802 and 1803 are both noted as "W. & H. Skinner, Tobacconists, 243 Strand", however William Henry Skinner died relatively young in May of 1812, at St Clements Danes aged only 40 years, having no children with his wife Ann Hooper.

1810 Land Tax record of Henry Skinner for payment of £3 & 10 Shillings for Tobacconist shop and dwelling at 67 Holborn Hill, near Shoe lane.

As one may have already gathered, this particular area of The Strand nearby St Clements Danes church, was one of special ongoing interest to our Skinner predecessors, for 4 known generations of Tobacco business, family residences, and for social reasons. It is the same proximity of where Benjamin Tupling resided and ran his jewellery and gold smith business at 191 Strand. ( Benjamin's daughter Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling, lived there, and later married John Henry Standfield Skinner ).

Lithograph of Strand per "view takes on the east end of St Clements Church" prior to its improvements planned for 1810. Courtesy British Museum on line.

Many other Web sites detailing the history of London, provide a range of info and images, which basically describe that many of the old houses on the far side of The Strand shown above, were eventually demolished to make way for the new London Law Courts. A number of references and reviews ( after the 1830s ) refer to Skinner - Tobacconists on The Strand, as being opposite the well known landmark of the Law Courts. The map inset above shows that number 193 Strand at the far right hand side, was a Chemist shop owned by Richards, which was virtually a door or two door away from the Tupling jewellery shop.

The image below here has been especially included, as it too, portrays a realistic visual impression of these days and times on The Strand, and also the immediate proximity of where the Tupling jeweller / gold smith family lived and worked at 191 Strand. Two buildings in the courtyard are numbered 198 & 194 Strand.

St Clements Danes church, Strand, London - unconfirmed details. Courtesy ancestryimages.com

Five Directory listing state John Skinner's Tobacco shop as being located at 240 Strand until the 1790s, yet it appears William Skinner and Co were continuously situated at 243 Strand. As a mater of interest, much later 240 Strand became a Printing house of E Truelove, noted as being located 3 doors from Temple Bar, in the Political Economist.

London Directory Vol 1 - 1811. This is the last confirmed listing of William Henry Skinner ( of Generation 2 ) as a Tobaconist, before he passed away in 1812. Courtesy Ancestry.com

Going by the following Warrant for Administration, John Skinner, our first known Skinner Tobacconist ( of Generation 1 ), passed away sometime between 1807 and 1815. His death, and resultant lack of expertise and financial input into the Skinner & Hooper business at Reading, may, or may not have been a factor, in the eventual demise of the Hooper family Tobacco operations there in Berkshire.

Self explanatory Warrant for Administration lodged by eldest surviving son Henry Skinner on 5 Oct 1815, for the estate of his deceased parents. Unfortunately it does not privide an actual death date for John Skinner. Courtesy Ancestry.com

About 3 years later for some unknown, but probably very ethical reasons, Henry John and Mary Skinner arranged a mass Baptism of their children, whom were fast approching adult ages, noted as residing at 243 Strand.

A busy day at St Clements Danes church on 12 Jan 1818, with the baptism of 5 Skinner siblings.

UK Poll record of 1819 for Benjamin Tupling of 191 Strand, registered as a Jeweller, and in the following Poll of 1820, Benjamin was noted as a Goldsmith. Courtesy Ancestry.com

Kents Directory of London listing of 1823.

A very reputable Kents Directory listing of 1823, showing Henry John Skinner promoting 2 Tobacconist outlets at 3 St Martins Court and 67 Holborn Hill, and his nephew William David Skinner noted at 243 Strand.

1828 Insurance record of Henry John Skinner for 243 Strand and 67 Holborn Hill.

St Clements Danes, Strand - unconfirmed details. The background of this great painting shows the London Law Courts, so the picture would have been completed sometime after 1830. Courtesy Pinterest

It may be of relevant interest to note to our web visitors, that securing an insurance policy for a combined Tobacconist shop and family dwelling, was a costly exercise and and made common sense. Such a location would be regularly utilised for the sampling and burning of Tobacco and Cigars, by shop staff and customers, and besides, accidents happen too. As it turned out in time, the Skinner Tobacconists situated at 67 Holborn Hill as illustrated below, did suffer a major tragedy, due to its total destruction by fire in 1848.

Pigots Directory Listing of Henry John Skinner, Tobacconist, located at 3 St Martins Court in 1835.

Notification of change of Skinner partnership, per withdrawal of Charles John Stansfield Skinner in 1838.

Charles John Stansfield Skinner officially removed twice from 2 different Skinner family Tobacco partnerships, in 1838 and 1853, just before he passed away in 1854.

Read what you may percieve into this record - it appears Charles John Stansfield Skinner was formally removed from the business partnership in 1838 at 243 Strand and 67 Holborn Bridge.

Poll registration for Henry Skinner, 243 Strand, in 1839.

A great old painting by John Phillips, looking west from Henry John Skinners Tobacco shop at 3 St Martins Court, ( ie. looking towards where the current Leicester Square railway station and The Hippodrome are on Charing Cross Rd, located on the corner at the end of the lane, pictured at the right ). A close look at the shop on the corner of the lane, will clearly show it is signed "H. J. Skinner" per inset below.

Inset of signage of Henry John Skinner at 3 St Martins Court, as carefully detailed in the above painting.

Click to review enlargement.
A modern day map showing Henry John Skinner's shop at 3 St Martins Court, was a fair distance, nearly a mile from the nearest Skinner Tobacconists at The Strand. Courtesy Google Maps.

Extensive research indicates William Archer's father, John Henry Stansfield Skinner, continued his family's traditional line of income and employment as tobacconists, dating back to at least the 1790s. According to London's Kent Directory of 1794, John Henry's father, Henry Skinner, ran his tobacconists business from his outlet at 243 The Stand, Temple Bar, in London.

Another change of Skinner partnership, per separation of Henry Skinner and his son John Henry Stansfield Skinner in 1840, as confirmed immediately below here.

A formal notice of business changes in Feb 1840, between William Archer Skinner's father, John Henry Stansfield Skinner, and William Archers grandfather Henry Skinner, as shown above here.

With many thanks to the introduction of the UK Census system in 1841, we can present a shortlist of names and locations for all our 5 surviving Skinner Tobacconists Generations, from that time.


1841 - UNITED KINGDOM.

Henry Skinner - Generation 2 - age 65, married , to Ann Hooper - age 58, Profession - ( unreadable ) @ 20 Park Place West, St Mary, Islington west.

William David Skinner - Generation 3 - age 40, married, to Ann Davis - age 40, 5 children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 5 Crown Row, Walworth, Surrey.

Henry John Skinner - Generation 3 - age 40 married, to Mary Ann Hooper - age 35 7 children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square.

John Henry Stansfield Skinner - Generation 3 - age 25 married, to Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling - age 23, 3 children, Profession - Snuff Maker, @ Loughton, Essex.

Charles John Stansfield Skinner - Generation 3 - age 25 married, Ellen Tupling - age 20, no children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 243 Strand, Westminster.

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John Henry Stansfield Skinner granted Liberty of the City in 1842.

Having reviewed numerous references to "67 Holborn Hill" and "67 Holborn Bridge", in addition to those appearing on this web page, it is likely others may also draw the same conclusion, they were probably one and the same place. Your web host, strongly suggest NOT to look into the history of "Holborn viaduct", let alone the variations of different maps showing the layout of nearby Shoe Lane.

Regardless of the possibility that the unrelated Alderman Skinner ( namesake of nearby Skinner Street ) may have purchased his snuff from either Holborn Hill or Holborn Bridge, our family researchers are in the fortunate position to be able to present a great painting of number 67, despite the confusion arisen from the old records. Sadly, this old time Skinner Tobacconist outlet of the 1800s, was actually totally destroyed by fire in 1848.

A fantastic water colour done by John Wykeham Archer in 1842, of our Skinner Tobacconists outlet, at 67 Holborn Bridge / Hill, as referred to above.
Courtesy British Museum on line.

The British Museum authenticates this painting as -
"Inscribed in image above shop 'SKINNER', and above the shop to the right 'GENERAL....', inscriptions on signs in shop window including 'CIGARS' but others are illegible, two 'Z's inscribed in red are just apposed over one another on the front of the basket.
Inscribed on mount: "Old Shop Front, Holborn Bridge, July 1842, afterwards burnt down."

London Post Office Directory of 1843, showing 3 Skinner Tobacconists,
Henry Skinner and Son ( probably Charles John Stansfield ) at 243 Strand,
Henry John Skinner at 3 St Martins Court,
and John Henry Stansfield Skinner at 67 Holborn Hill.

Our Skinner Tobacconists of West London had some very serious competition nearby at Holborn Viaduct
( Holborn Bridge ), per the renowned WD & HO Wills company. Courtesy lookandlearn.com

Both the Kent and Pigots Directories of this era, indicate John Henry Stansfield's father Henry Skinner, and his aunty Mary Ann Hooper's family were in the tobacco business together in the very early 1800s as shown above, and John Henry Stansfield Skinner was able to split his partnership with his father Henry Skinner, and then run his own business at 67 Holborn Bridge in 1846 as indicated below.

To quote a relevant review from Google EBooks - from "A pinch of snuff", by By Benson Earle Hill - ( 1840 )
"Some sound, good old snuff will be found at Skinner's, in St. Martin's Court; and the purchasers cannot fail to be pleased with the attention and politeness of the proprietor. There are two other tobacconists of the same name, one residing on Holborn-hill, and the other near Temple-bar, on the left hand side, going city-wards. We should almost be tempted to visit the former of these establishments, since we learn that the wishes of the customers are carried into effect by one of the most extraordinary characters in London."

Individual Skinner Tobacconist listings of 1845 in the official Post Office Directory, including -
Henry Skinner and Son, 243 Strand.
Henry Skinner, 77 Bunhill Row.
Henry John Skinner, 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square.
John Henry Stansfield Skinner, 67 Holborn Hill.
William David Skinner, 5 Crown Row, Walworth, Surrey.


TIMEFRAME - 1850s to 1890s.

As how all generations of every family naturally change in the course of time, the Skinner Tobacconists Dynasty, altered quite dramatically during this Timeframe. We note the passing of Henry Skinner from Generation 2 of Tobacconists, in 1871. From our Generation 3 directly involved in the Tocacco trade, Charles John Stansfield Skinner died in 1854, as did Henry John Skinner in 1858, and later John Henry Stansfield Skinner died in 1870, and William David Skinner passed over in 1874. Therefore, logically there is a noticable reduction of relevant records, towards the end of the 1800s, as the number of active Skinner Tobacconists had naturally also reduced, to Richard Russell Skinner at 191 Strand, and his son, Russell William John Henry Skinner, at West Brighton, Sussex.

This left the responsibility of carrying on the Skinner tradition of being in the London Tobacco industry, upon our Generation 4 ascendants, being William Hooper Skinner born 1827, John Henry Skinner Junior born 1836, and Richard Russell Skinner born 1840.

Lithograph from 1850 of Holborn Hill, showing Skinners Tobacconists at left, and St Sepulchres Church in the distance, also looking due East from St Andrews towards St Sepulchres Church.

Corner Holborn Bridge and Farringdon Rd., the engraving by W Woolnoth from work of artist TH Shepherd. Courtesy ancestryimages.com

NB. The above two images were obviously produced from around the same immediate location, looking towards the same direction too. The awning over the shop at front left, branded as "Skinner Importers", is noted as "92 93" ( Holborn Hill ), and was also the residence of great grandfather William Archer Skinner where he lived in 1851, according to the UK Census. The original large format image of this lithograph, purchased by your web host, clearly shows the Shoe Lane street sign under close-up zoom.

Baptism of William Archer Skinner at St Andrew Holborn, in 1851.

Kindly note, it is not practical to include every record for every Skinner in this web site, however with all due respect to all our relations, this web site would not be here !


1851 - UNITED KINGDOM.

Henry Skinner - Generation 2 - age 65, married , to Ann Hooper - age 58, Profession - ( unreadable ) @ 20 Park Place West, St Mary, Islington west.

William David Skinner - Generation 3 - age 40, married, to Ann Davis - age 40, 5 children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 5 Crown Row, Walworth, Surrey.

Henry John Skinner - Generation 3 - age 40 married, to Mary Ann Hooper - age 35 7 children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square.

John Henry Stansfield Skinner - Generation 3 - age 25 married, to Elizabeth Thomasin Tupling - age 23, 3 children, Profession - Snuff Maker, @ Loughton, Essex.

Charles John Stansfield Skinner - Generation 3 - age 25 married, Ellen Tupling - age 20, no children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 243 Strand, Westminster.

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Art Union Directory of 1851 showing brothers Henry John Skinner at 3 St Martins Court, and John Henry Stansfield Skinner at 92 & 93 Holborn Hill promoting their businesses.

Old Bailey Central Crimional Court London - 8 July 1851

CHARLES JOHN ( STANSFIELD ) SKINNER. "I am a tobacconist, of the Strand. On 15th March, between half-past two and half-past three o'clock, the prisoner brought a brown-paper parcel addressed to me, containing 12l. in sovereigns, half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences."

"he was not sober — I did not expect to receive any money from Mr. Pope that day — he could give me no account of what he brought it for — I returned it to him, and told him to take it back—it appears it had been sent to me through Mr. Pope by Mrs. Livermore, of Hammersmith, but I was not aware of that."

Individual Skinner Tobacconist listings of 1851 as per the official Post Office Directory, including -
Henry Skinner and Son, 243 Strand.
Henry John Skinner, 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square.
John Henry Stansfield Skinner, Snuff Manufacturer, 92 & 93 Holborn Hill.
William David Skinner, 5 Crown Row, Walworth, Surrey.

An extract from The Lancet - Medical Journal - 1852, London
Edited by Thomas Walkley - Surgeon for Finsbury and MP for Middlesex

"SKINNER, Tobacco and Snuff Manufacturer, Importer of Cigars, &c., 92 and 93, Holborn-hill, (opposite St. Andrew's Church,) has just received a fine parcel of the above article, prepared expressly for the profession, and now in general use on the Continent, and at the Brompton, Dreadnought, and German Hospitals. J. H. S. has also received a large and fine assortment of Meerschaum Pipes, (among which will be found some finely carved skulls,) Cigar and Pipe Tubes, Cigar Cases, Tobacco Cisterns for keeping tobacco damp and preserving its flavour, Scotch, Irish, and French colouring Clay Pipes, The Reservoir, Respirator, Februa, and Burns' Cutty Pipe. Pipes cleaned, mounted, and repaired.

Observe the address, J. H. Skinner, 92 and 93, Holborn-hill, (opposite St. Andrew's Church,) London.
N.B. - J. H. S. strongly recommends his celebrated Oriental Tobacco, which leaves no unpleasant fume after smoking, and when used with a Real Meerschaum, is equal to most Foreign Cigars."

Meerschaum is a special type of clay once used in pipe making. Courtesy 1bpblogspot.com

Morning Post newspaper notice of the death of Charles John Stansfield Skinner at in 1854.

Land Tax payment of £4 & 11 Shillings & 8 pence in 1855, by John Henry Stansfield Skinner for tobacconist shop and dwelling at 243 Strand, Temple Bar Ward.

An interesting review of some of the Skinner family tobacco businesses in the early 1800s.
Courtesy New Monthly Magazine Volume 57 per Google books.

Analytical Report by Lancet of 1854 re testing of sample goods sold by Henry John Skinner, of 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square. This sample obviously passed the test for opium content.

Death record of Henry John Skinner, of our Skinner Generation 3 of Tobacconists, in 1858 at Hendon, Middlesex, U.K.. Courtesy Ancestry.com

1860 Land Tax payment of £13 and 10 Shillings by John Henry Stansfield Skinner, for 93 Holborn Hill, highlighted in red. Courtesy Ancestry.com


1861 - UNITED KINGDOM.

Henry Skinner Generation 2 aged 86, widower, living with daughter Ann Beech and 3 Beech grand children, Profession - Find Holder, @ 62 Queens Rd., Paddington.

William David Skinner Generation 3 aged 60, married to Ann aged 60, with 4 children & 2 grand children, Profession - Tobacconist @ 243 Strand.

Henry John Skinner - Generation 3 - age 40 married, to Mary Ann Hooper - age 35 with 7 children, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 3 St Martins Court, Leicester Square.

John Henry Stansfield Skinner Generation 3 aged 49, married to Elizabeth aged 44, with 8 children, Profession - Tobacconist employing 2 men @ 65 Place Hall, Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire.

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For some unknown reason, John Henry Skinner Junior, the eldest son of John Henry Stansfield Skinner, decided to temporarily move to Victoria, Australia in the early 1860s, to enlist with a Melbourne based contingent of fighters, who went to southern New Zealand, to combat a Maori uprising. After the confrontation subsided, John Henry Skinner was sent a letter from the New Zealand Government stating his claim for land right was refused, in the late 1860s. This letter has been handed down to his Victorian descendants, via his niece Bertha Agnes Skinner of Caulfield, Victoria, however unfortunately this letter is not currently available.

Enlisting of John Henry Skinner, Tobacconist from Holborn, Middlesex, to fight at Taranaki, New Zealand from 1862.

Taranaki Fighters in New Zealand circa 1860s.

More information at
www.nzpictures.co.nz

Probate record of John Henry Stansfield Skinner of 1870. Courtesy Ancestry.com


1871 - UNITED KINGDOM.

Below here is the last formal record for any of our Generation 2 Skinner Tobacconists, being that for Henry Skinner, born in 1775 at St Clements Danes.

Henry Skinner Generation 2 aged 96, widower, living with daughter Ann Beech and 3 Beech grand children, Profession - Retired Tobacconist, @ 62 Queens Rd., Paddington.

William David Skinner Generation 3 aged 70, married to Ann - aged 65, with daughter Ann Luckie and 1 grandson, Profession - Retired Trader, @ Kimbers Rd. Bray, Berkshire.

Richard Russell Skinner Generation 4 aged 30, married to Selena - aged 25, with daughter Florence and nephew, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 221 Strand.

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Probate record of Henry Skinner of 1872 - effects under £5000. Courtesy Ancestry.com

Burial of Henry Skinner at All Souls Cemetery in 1871, aged 96.

A great painting by John Crowther in 1881, showing Richard Russell Skinner's shop at 221 Strand, West London.
Courtesy Getty Images.

Richard Russell Skinner ran his own Tobacconist shop and raised his family at 221 Strand, and sold more than rolls of tobacco, as shown here.

An antique travel candle box, stamped "SKINNER 221 STRAND", a Richard Russell Skinner retail product of the past, auctioned recently on-line. Courtesy worthpoint.com auction house.


1881 to 1901 - UNITED KINGDOM.

By this point in time, from the U.K. Census records, we can presume only 2 Skinner generations of Tobacconists were still alive, being Richard Russell Skinner of Generation 4, and his son Russell William John Henry Skinner, the only Generation 5 Skinner Tobacconists.

Russell Skinner Generation 4 - aged 30, married to Selena - aged 25, with daughter Florence and nephew, Profession - Tobacconist, @ 221 Strand.

1901 U.K. Census.

Russell William John Henry Skinner Generation 5 - aged 33, married to Isabella - aged 32 living with daughter Beatrice, Profession - Tobacconist Assistant. @ .

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To quote from Google EBook - Project Gutenberg's The Social History of Smoking, by G. L. Apperson - 1st published 1914 by Ballantyne Press London.
"Mr. Holden MacMichael, in his papers on "The London Signs" says: "Mrs. Skinner, of the old-established tobacconist's opposite the Law Courts in the Strand, possessed, about the year 1890, two signs of the 'Black Boy,' appertaining, no doubt, to the old house of Messrs. Skinner's on Holborn Hill, of the front of which there is an illustration in the Archer Collection in the Print Department of the British Museum, where the black boy and tobacco-rolls are depicted outside the premises. The "Black Boy," indeed, continued in use by tobacconists until the nineteenth century was well advanced. A tobacconist had a shop "uppon Wapping Wall" in 1667 at the sign of the "Black Boy and Pelican."

"Mrs Skinner" in this patricular article, referring to 1890, leaves no doubt she was actually ???

Family photo of Moat House taken in 1954.

1870 listing in the Art Union London for John Henry Stansfield Skinner at Moat House Hertingfordbury.

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1891 CENSUS EXTRACTS

Russell William John Henry Skinner 42 Frederick St London.

Due to the fact our Generation 5 of Tobacconists consists soley of Richard William John Henry Skinner, son of Richard Russell Skinner, his last Census record of 1901, just before he passed away, brings this series of records on this web page, to a close.

Death record of Russell William John Henry Skinner at Wandsworth inn 1904.

Death record of Russell William John Henry Skinner at Wandsworth inn 1904 - our last known Skinner Tobacconist from Gen 5.

1901 U.K. Census for Russell William John Henry Skinner, at West Brighton, Sussex.


Angus families.


Father of Ruby, Archer, and Bertha.


Sister of Archer and Bertha.


Brother of Ruby and Bertha.


Youngest sister of Ruby and Archer.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
SPECIAL THANKS FOR FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS BY

Jill Harris nee Sydenham - Great Grand daughter of William Archer Skinner.
Richards Andrew Buchannan Harris - Ancestry account access.
Michael Desmond Bowen - Great Grand son of William Archer Skinner.
K.J. Mixo Sydenham - Great Grand son of William Archer Skinner.
January Zeh - Skinnner cousin, Hawaii USA.
Laurel Davies - Hooper cousin, Canada.
Les Hooper - Hooper cousin, Leicester UK

Email here re Enquiries, Corrections, or input to this site