Samuel McSkimmin was born in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, and served in the yeomanry in 1798. He wrote for Fraser's Magazine and the Gentleman's Magazine. His outstanding achievements are his History of Carrickfergus and The Annals of Ulster, or Ireland Fifty Years Ago, which was published posthumously and based on his manuscripts, which were scattered at his death. Bishop William Reeves said of him: 'He possessed a marvellous taste and faculty for archaeological pursuits'.

Born:	1775
Died:	1843