Samuel Squire Gimblett (c1822-1908)
1878 Trading from 68 High Street, Exeter
1881 Living at Edgell Villa, High Street, Crediton: Samuel S. Gimblett (age 59 born Exbourne), Master Shoe Factor employing 83 men, 20 boys and 37 women. With his wife Josephine; daughter Marianne; son Samuel R. H. Gimblett (age 20 born Crediton), Overlooker in the factory; daughter Ellie.[1]
1901 Living at Midhurst, West Teignmouth: Samuel S. Gimblett (age 79 born Sampford Courtney), Shoe and Boot Manufacturer - Employer. With his wife Annie.[2]
In 1859 a new name, Mr Samuel Gimblett, arrived in the town (Crediton), and his arrival caused a great deal of commotion. Mr Gimblett had established a trade with Australia and his business grew rapidly and with it employment.
Gimblett was a Cornishman who had been shipwrecked on his way to Australia with a shipment of boots, all of which were lost. He set up business in Melbourne in 1853, but returned to England in 1856. He first set up business in Plymouth, then decided to head for Northampton, but was delayed at Crediton and decided to stay. Gimblett’s boots were different. Made for the Australian market, they had square toes. They were “Wellington” or “laced” boots, and heavily nailed or braided. His factory quickly expanded and by 1859 he was making “Balmorals” and “spring-sides”. With Gimblett concentrating on the Australian market, this still left John Elston with the greatest share of the home trade.[3]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ 1881 Census
- ↑ 1901 Census
- ↑ [http://creditonhistory.org.uk/history-society/read-our-online-articles/creditontrade.aspx Crediton History