Robert Skidmore (baptised in Eyam in 1737) was a common scissors maker, who in the 1780s was in New Street, Sheffield (trade mark ‘EYAM’).  He was the son of Samuel and was apparently apprenticed to scissors smith George Beal of Stannington.  His Freedom was granted in 1764.  By 1797, the business was ‘& Son’ in Carver Street.  Robert’s sons were George (1769-1810) and Joseph (1776-1835), who had served apprenticeships with their father and were granted Freedoms in 1791 and 1799, respectively.  Robert died in 1800 and was buried on 29 November in St Peter’s churchyard.  One of his executors was Peter Cadman.

By 1811, Joseph was listed in Bailey Street as a manufacturer of razors, scissors, and table knives.  He was apparently bankrupt in 1824, but Joseph Skidmore, Pond Street, traded in scissors and razors in the 1820s and early 1830s.  He died on 31 December 1835, aged 59, and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard.  Joseph’s son, by his wife Mary, was William Skidmore (1807-1878).  By 1841, William was working (and living) in Milton Street.  In 1834, he had married Miss Mary Cowin, but by 1851 had been widowed.  The Census (1851) enumerated him as a journeyman razor smith.  In 1858, he advertised in a Birmingham directory.  He remained in Milton Street throughout his career (using the ‘EYAM’ mark), though at one point worked as a commercial traveller.  He died on 13 March 1878 at Henry Street, Broomhill, aged 71.