Skillman, Thomas B., 1844-1924

SKILLMAN, STOUT, MOFFIT

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 10, 1924:

FORMER RESIDENT DEAD

The following from the Waterloo Courier regarding the death of T. B. Skillman, a former resident of Rock Valley, will be of interest.

Thomas B. Skillman, age 80, veteran Illinois Central baggageman, died at 7:15 a.m. today at his home on Cedar Bend, north of Walker street, a general breakdown terminating in death.

"Tom" Skillman was born April 14, 1844, at McDonough, N.Y. He came to Waterloo when he was a young man of 21 and soon after took employment as station baggageman for the Illinois Central railroad. This position he held for 32 years, the company recognizing his faithful service with a medal of honor.

Of late years Mr. Skillman had devoted his time to cultivating a small farm near the city. On May 28, 1871, he was married to Miss Cornelia Stout. She died April 28, 1899. On November 3, 1890, he was married to Mrs. Alice Moffit, at Jessup, Iowa. The widow and son, Martin B., and two granddaughters survive."

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A briefer but similar obituary was published in the Alton Democrat, October 18, 1924, Rock Valley news. It adds that Mr. Skillman owned two farms northwest of here and a dwelling in town [referring to Rock Valley?].

His death certificate has Thomas Byron Skillman, born April 14, 1844 in New York; father Albert Skillman, mother's name left blank; retired; resident of Waterloo 40 years; died in Waterloo October 2, 1924, of chronic interstitial nephritis, which he had had for 4 years; secondary cause myocarditis; buried Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo.