Skinner, William A. 1821-1885

SKINNER, HENDRICKSON, COLE, SWOPE

Posted By: Patricia Hamarstrom (email)
Date: 3/4/2008 at 11:14:53

William A. SKINNER died at Elkader on the 9th, being nearly 64 years old. He was a printer by trade, came to Iowa early in the 40's, and
worked on the "Miner's Gazette", one of the very first papers of Iowa, and afterwards on the "Territorial Record" of Iowa. He located in
Elkader in 1866. He was a good man and citizen.

~Waukon Standard, Thurs August 20, 1885

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Added by S. Ferrall on 1/9/2017:

The Last Call - W.A. Skinner Summoned to the Home Beyond the Grave

It is with a feeling of sadness that we take up our pen this week, to announce the death of our old and well known citizen, W.A. Skinner, which sad event occurred on Sunday, August 9th, 1885, at two o'clock, p.m.

W.A. Skinner was born in Alexandria, Virginia, Dec. 31st, 1821, and was there fore at the time of death 63 years, 8 months and 8 days of age. While he was yet a young lad, his parents removed to Ohio, and in this state he became an apprentice to a printer and learned the art, becoming a proficient printer.

In 1843 he came to Iowa, arrived at Cascade, April 21, where he made his home with his brother-in-law, Chas. Cole. Shortly after his arrival here he went to Dubuque, where he was engaged as printer on the 'Miner's Express', one of the first papers published in Iowa. He was afterwards employed as foreman in the office of the 'Dubuque Herald', which succeeded the 'Express'. The 'Herald' was then under the management of Messrs. Mahony & Merritt. While he was engaged at Dubuque, Mr. Cole removed his family to Linn county, and hither he was followed by Mr. Skinner. He only remained here a short time, when he went to Iowa City, where he entered into the employ of the 'Territorial Record', then published at that place, by the then official printer of the territory. When the last territorial legislature convened, that of 1846-7, he was appointed sergeant-at-arms, of the legislature, and filled that office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

On the 4th day of April, 1847, he was married to Miss Mariette Hendrickson, in Linn county, who with seven children, two boys and five girls are left to mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband and indulgent father.

After his marriage, Mr. Skinner worked some at the trade of printer, having been employed at Fayette, we believe, and on a number of papers, but where they were located we are unable to state. In 1866 he removed his family to Elkader, and has continued to reside here ever since.

For the past 16 years he has been an official of Boardman township, holding the offices of constable, assessor and justice of the peace. This latter office he had held for 10 consecutive years, and we have never heard any person complain that he did not do his duty in every respect. A conscientious man, he would not knowingly wrong any person, and to our personal knowledge he has prevented many lawsuits by personally appealing to the parties to settle without the laws arbitration, and thus save themselves money and their friends. He was an honorable man and his death will be mourned by all who have ever known him.

For a number of years Mr. Skinner has been a great sufferer from asthma, but he has been uncomplaining, fighting the battle of life bravely, but the great leveler of mankind is too powerful for the puny hands of mankind and he fell in the fight.

Besides his wife and children mentioned above, Mr. Skinner leaves two sisters, Mrs. Chas. Cole of this place and Mrs. Swope, of Cascade, and three half-brothers, to mourn for the departed.

The funeral occurred on Monday afternoon, at four o'clock, and was conducted by the I.O.O.F., of which organization he had for a number of years been a member, and his body was bourne to the grave by six members of the printing fraternity.

The esteem in which Mr. Skinner was held by the members of this community where he ad resided so long, was evidenced by the very large attendance at the funeral. At the grave, Rev. L.U. McKee, acting as chaplain of the I.O.O.F. lodge, delivered a brief address on the life of the deceased. He also conducted the services at the house. The afflicted family have the heartfelt sympathy of our entire community.

His last type has been set, and the pages of his life have been finished, and we can only add that of him it can be said: He was one of "God's noblest works - an honest man."

~The Elkader Register, Thursday, August 13, 1885