Soper, Samuel jnr, Exeter, Devon, cm, u and billiard table manufacturer (1819–40). Did not follow his father in the business at Bedford Pl. but set up on his own at 259 High St. The exact date of establishment is not known but in January 1819, when he moved to Bampfylde House, Bampfylde St near the Post Office, he indicated that he hoped for ‘a continuance of those favours he has so liberally experienced since his commencement in business’. He stayed at the new address until November 1825 when he announced a move back to the High St, this time at 253. He had additional premises at 5 Palace St. In 1832 he is recorded living in the parish of St Sidwell. By 1838 he had moved to Salem Pl. and in 1839 was at Queen's Pl., King William Terr. His wife Elizabeth died in April 1822 after a long illness.

Apart from maintaining a general cabinet and upholstery business he specialised in the manufacture of billiard tables and associated equipment. He was in a position to offer ‘A great variety of BILLIARD TABLES, both in number and price…which he can render at from Fifty to Seventy Guineas each and upwards; also SMALL PORTABLE BILLIARD TABLES calculated for Parlors.’ He made also Troumadame and Bagatelle boards, repaired billiard tables and had on sale ‘cues, maces, marking boards & balls’. In November 1830 he announced that he had fitted up a billiard room at 253 High St ‘where Gentlemen will find the most genteel accommodation’. [D; poll bk; Exeter Flying Post, 21 January 1819, 2 May 1822, 10 November 1825, 18 November 1830; The Alfred, 18 March 1823, 9 December 1823, 8 November 1825]