O. T. SKIDMORE
A resident of Lucas, Jackson township, Iowa, of which he is a native, and a faithful and efficient government employee connected with the railway mail service between Chicago and Council Bluffs, O. T. Skidmore is highly esteemed and respected for his many commendable qualities of character. Born September 12, 1882, he comes of a well known family, more extended mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of J. T. Skidmore. He grew to manhood in Lucas, where he attended the common schools and completed his course in the Lucas high school. Early he assisted his father with the work on the farm and then was for two years employed by C. A. Williams & Brothers, general merchants. Following his initial experience in the business world, he established himself with his brother in the coal business in Lucas, remaining in that connection until he passed the examination for the railway mail service, which he entered on a run between Chicago and Council Bluffs on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, having ever since followed this occupation.
On
March 5, 1905, he was married to Miss Isabelle Morrison, a
native of Jackson township, this county, where she was born
October 5, 1884, and grew to womanhood, attending the public
schools in the acquirement of her education. Her parents are
Marion and Margaret (Johnston) Morrison and they now reside at
Albia, Iowa. In
their family were eight children, of whom Mrs. Skidmore is the
oldest. The
others are: Arvilla,
Rhoan, William, Francis, Adlai, Earl and Waldo. Mr. and Mrs.
Skidmore have four sons:
Charles Noel, born March 17, 1906; Dwight Morrison,
born August 19, 1907; Roger Wayne, born June 13, 1910; and
Wallace Keith, born August 29, 1912. The two elder are attending public
school at Lucas.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore are highly respected and esteemed in their home community, where they have many friends. They are members of the Presbyterian church of Lucas and take deep interest in its work. Fraternally Mr. Skidmore belonged for some time to the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Lucas but of late has given up this connection on account of his duties. The family residence is renowned for its hospitality and is often the meeting place of their friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore are well versed in literature and, deeply convinced of the value of education, give their children the best opportunities along that line. Although Mr. Skidmore is but thirty-one years of age, he has laid the foundation for a substantial position in the community and the future promises well for him.