- EUGENE H. SKINNER, the owner of one of the most highly improved
farms in Newark
- Township, situated on section 7, and also a raiser of tobacco,
was born in Wayne County, N.Y., Dec. 6, 1846, and is a son of
Jacob and Eliza (PECK) SKINNER. His father was a native of Kent
County, England, his mother of Monroe County, N.Y. Mr. SKINNER
had previously been married, while a resident of England, and
by that union two children were born - Elizabeth, widow of William
GOLDING, of Minnesota; and Thereon, who was a member of the 22d
Wisconsin Infantry, was taken prisoner, and died at the home
of our subject from disease contracted while in Libby Prison.
- About the year 1840, Mr. SKINNER emigrated with his family
to America, becoming a resident
- of New York, where his wife died. In that State he afterwards
became acquainted with and married Miss Eliza Jane PECK. In 1846
he removed to Rock County, Wis., and pre-empted forty acres of
land on section 7, Newark Township, but subsequently added to
his original purchase until his farm comprised 120 acres. He
there made his home until December, 1857, when he made a visit
to his mother in New York, where he was taken sick and died.
His wife survived him until Feb. 7, 1881, dying at the old homestead
in this county. They were the parents of four children - Eugene,
of this sketch; Sylvester A., who is living in Louis County,
Wash., was a soldier in the late war, serving in the 43d Wisconsin
Infantry , from October, 1864 till July 1865, when he was honorably
discharged; Mary J., wife of E. K. FELT, of Washington County,
Kan.; and Hannah A.
- The earlier years of his life our subject passed upon his
father's farm, and in the common schools
- of the county received his education. When thirteen years
of age, however, he left his home and went to live with an uncle,
with whom he remained until his eighteenth year. Returning to
his home in 1863, he took charge of the farm, continuing to manage
affairs until 1865, when he bought the interest of the other
heirs. He now owns 263 acres of fine land, 180 of which is under
a high state of cultivation, while the improvements are among
the best to be found in Newark Township. He has a fine grade
of all kinds of stock, including short horn cattle, and his barns
provide shelter for one hundred head of stock.
- On the 20th day of November, 1871, the union of Mr. SKINNER
and Miss Clarinda
- PADFIELD was celebrated. Unto them has been born an interesting
family of four children, one son and three daughters - Burton
E., Edith E., Eva I. and Agnes M. Mr. and Mrs. SKINNER have one
of the most comfortable homes in the community, where hospitality
abounds and all receive a hearty welcome. He is regarded as one
of the leading citizens of the community, and has held various
township offices, including that of treasurer. In March, 1874,
he was elected secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, representing Rock, Plymouth, Newark, Avon, Spring Valley,
Beloit and Center townships, and has annually been re-elected.
The company insures nothing but farm property. Honorable and
upright in all his dealings, Mr. SKINNER has won the confidence
and respect of all who know him.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 850-851.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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