Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 461 - 462

 ISAAC L. SKINNER, one of the leading merchants of Clearwater, is a man who combines the virtues of energy and pluck with excellent judgment, which have brought great success to his efforts and labors.  He is a native of Knox County, Ohio, born March 12, 1836, and is the son of Courtland and Mary (Lynn) Skinner, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.

      The paternal ancestors of the subject of this biography were Scotch, while his mother is a descendant of the sturdy English yeomanry.  When Isaac was about three years of age he removed with his parents to Fayette County, Pa., where he received his education and was reared to manhood. In his eighteenth year he came westward with his parents and located in Putnam County, Ill., where he resided for several years.  He had received the benefit of but a limited education, his father being a poor man, who followed the business of coopering and farming, and our subject commenced to assist him at a very early age.  His father was also an itinerant Baptist preacher for many years, and labored long and faithfully in the vineyard of our Lord.  His mother died in Putnam County, Ill., in 1854.

      On the breaking out of the Rebellion the subject of our notice enlisted, in LaSalle County, Ill. July 16, 1861, in Company D, 23d Illinois Infantry, under Col. James A. Mulligan.  The regiment started out first as an independent command, and after operating for about three months in Missouri were taken prisoners by Gen. Sterling Price, after a gallant defense at Lexington.  They were immediately paroled and sent to St. Louis, and after a short time exchanged and placed back in the service.  They were ordered at once to join the Army of the Potomac, and were, in the engagement at Harper's Ferry, in the spring of 1862, and participated in most of the battles and skirmishes that took place in Northern Virginia, from that time until his discharge.  At Gettysburg the regiment to which he was attached was held in reserve.  He was discharged in August, 1864, and returned to his home in Illinois, where he remained until coming to Sedgwick County in 1875.  With the exception of three years spent by him in Missouri he has been a constant resident of this county since the latter date.

      Mr. Skinner was united, Jan. 1, 1867, with Phebe Hammers, daughter of Joseph T. Hammers, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in the pages of this ALBUM.  By this marriage there have been born five children, four of whom are living-Lela, Maud, Georgia and Lutie.  Our subject is a Republican in his political faith, and filled the offices of Justice of the Peace in Ninnescah Township for two years and Police Judge of Clearwater for two more.  He is a gentleman of sterling integrity and honorable principles, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the entire community.  As an old veteran he is looked up to by "the boys in blue," and for disabilities received while in the service is in receipt of a pension of $8 a month from the Government.

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