Samuel Toms was an Australian cricket umpire who officiated at many important matches held at the Adelaide Oval. Beyond his work out in the middle with the white coat and counters, he was a prominent businessman in South Australia during the nineteenth century.
In 1872, Toms partnered with Thomas Good to found the wholesale firm Good, Toms & Co. The company originally operated on King William Street, later setting up an office on Wyatt Street and a warehouse at 22 Stephens Place. Before starting this venture, Toms worked at Goode Brothers warehouse and likely received his education at J. L. Young's Adelaide Educational Institution.
Toms lived from around 1842 until 27 January 1907. Three of his sons eventually followed him into the family business, and he maintained a close personal association with the Anglican Trinity Church throughout his life.