Sam Piper (Footwear merchant)

Samuel Piper worked for both Cribb & Foote, and Beirne's before opening his own establishment in Ipswich. By this time he had 27 years experience in the footwear trade.

Sam Piper's shop opened in March 1905 in premises in Brisbane Street that were opposite the Qld Woolen Manufacturing Company office which was located near the Palais Royal Hotel. It sold boots, shoes and slippers for men, women and children. Repairs were also carried out. 

A year later in February 1906 Piper's establishment moved to a shop opposite St Paul's Church, still in Brisbane Street. This new location had until recently been occupied by George Smith's furniture store. Grocers Lee & Reed were close neighbours. At the end of May 1907 the business moved again but this time to Nicholas Street. 

Sadly, Sam Piper's business venture was short lived, closing at the end of October 1908 after only three and a half years. 

Terence Hildebert (Hildeburg), that is Bertie Piper, was Sam's son who died in 1904. His grave headstone in Ipswich General Cemetery and tragic story is well known .