Francis Skillman
Francis Skillman | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New York State Assembly from Queens County's 1st District | |
| In office 1867–1868 | |
| Preceded by | Obadiah J. Downing |
| Succeeded by | James B. Pearsall |
| Justice of Sessions of Queens County | |
| In office 1861–1863 | |
| Justice of the Peace of North Hempstead | |
| In office 1851–1876 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 1, 1817 |
| Died | September 7, 1898 (aged 81) Roslyn, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Ann Schenck
(m. 1842; died 1864)Josephine D. Onderdonk
(m. 1865) |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation | Farmer, judge, politician, genealogist |
Francis Skillman (September 1, 1817 – September 7, 1898) was an American farmer, judge, politician, and genealogist from New York. He served as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1867 and 1868, representing Queens County's 1st District.[1][2]
Early life
Skillman was born on September 1, 1817, at Wallabout, an area near what is now the Brooklyn Navy Yard, to Thomas Skillman (1791–1841) and Catherine Onderdonk (1792–1868).[1] As a boy, he moved to Manhasset, Long Island, to live with his grandfather.[1]
Career
Skillman married Sarah Ann Schenck in 1842. After marrying, he moved to Roslyn, Long Island.[1] Manhasset and Roslyn are both part of North Hempstead, where Skillman served as Justice of the Peace from 1851 to 1876.[1][2] He was elected Justice of the Peace at the Annual Town Meeting of North Hempstead held on April 1, 1851, and continued to serve for the next 24 years until 1875.[2]
From 1861 to 1863, Skillman served as Justice of Sessions of Queens County.[2]
Skillman, a Democrat, was elected to the New York State Assembly and served in 1867 and 1868, representing Queens County's 1st District.[1][2] A political poster from his campaign reads: "Democratic Nomination for member of assembly Francis Skillman."[1]
In 1892, Skillman published a family history, The Skillmans of New York, tracing the lineage of the Skillman family back to the early 17th century.[1][3] At the age of 72, he was elected to the School Board in 1889 and remained until 1890.[2]
Personal life
Skillman's first wife, Sarah Ann Schenck, died in 1864. In 1865, he married Josephine D. Onderdonk.[1] They had one child, Elizabeth, born in 1871.[1]
Skillman died at his home in Roslyn on September 7, 1898, at the age of 81.[1][2] His burial location is unknown.