My Genealogy Hound

MRS. M. J. SKINNER, gardener; P. O. Troy. Mrs. Skinner was the daughter of Henry and Mary A. Orbison, and was born, reared and married upon the home farm, of which mention has been previously made. Her marriage with Elias Skinner was consummated March 1, 1848, the Rev. Daniel Rice officiating; eight children were the result of this union, of whom five still survive; their names are J. Henry, born Sept. 12, 1851; George C., June 13, 1857; Kate E., March 7, 1862; Charles W., July 12, 1864; and James E., Dec. 21, 1867. Mr. Skinner was engaged in business near Troy until 1852,when he purchased an interest in the ice business at Louisville, Ky.; he removed thither and continued in business for two and a half years; he then sold his interest and came back to Troy, and, together with W. D. B. Webb, purchased a stock of goods; he afterward sold his interest and removed to a farm he had purchased near Troy; his health failing, he came back to Troy the next season and engaged as Secretary of an insurance firm; in 1865, purchased 10 acres of land on Ridge avenue, and erected a comfortable residence, but that remorseless enemy of mankind, consumption, wound him more tightly in its toils, and he was laid by the side of his children in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jan. 14, 1873; Mr. Skinner was a kind and affectionate father, an exemplary Christian; for many years the Superintendent of the Presbyterian Sabbath school; he and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian Church. Henry, the eldest son, has, since the death of his father, kindly cared for his mother and the children, acquitting himself as becomes a dutiful son, well worthy of the name he bears. George C. is now chief operator of the American Union Telegraph Company at Troy. Henry was married to Miss Lizzie Leaf, of Troy, in December, 1876; the children all live at home with their mother, to whom they are very attentive. Miss Kate is a good vocalist, and a creditable performer on the piano; the children are fond of literature, and are rapidly acquiring good educations. Henry is engaged in market gardening, and furnishes a full line of early vegetables for the Troy markets; the family residence overlooks the city, and the picturesque landscape beheld from that point is one of great beauty.