# Timothy W. Skinner: Family Patriarch and Village Leader (1827-?)

**Born:** 1827, Mexico, New York (Oswego County)
**Birthplace:** Town of Mexico, Oswego County
**Death:** Unknown (likely 1910s based on 80th birthday in 1907)

## Family Connections

- **Father:** Avery Skinner (1796-1876) - State Senator, County Judge, County Treasurer
- **Brother:** Charles Rufus Skinner (1844-1928) - U.S. Congressman, New York State Superintendent of Public Instruction
- **Family:** Son of the prominent Avery Skinner family of Mexico, NY

## Career and Professional Achievements

### Legal Career
- **Admitted to Bar:** 1857, Watertown, New York
- **Practice Location:** Mexico, New York
- **Notable Positions:** Practiced law in Mexico throughout his career

### Banking and Finance
- **Banking House:** Whitney & Skinner
- **Position:** Junior Partner
- **Duration:** 15 years of partnership
- **Significance:** Established banking presence in Mexico area, continuing family financial interests

### Government Service

#### Surrogate (Oswego County Court)
- **1863-1867:** Elected surrogate for four years
- **1871-1877:** Re-elected surrogate for six years
- **1877-1883:** Re-elected surrogate for six years
- **Total Service:** 14 years as surrogate (judicial officer handling probate and estate matters)

#### Village Government
- **Title:** President of the Village of Mexico
- **Duration:** Served during mid-to-late 19th century
- **Responsibilities:** Primary village executive officer

#### Judicial Officer
- **Title:** Justice of the Peace
- **Duration:** 8 years
- **Jurisdiction:** Town of Mexico

## Personal Life

### Marriage and Family
- **First Marriage:** Elizabeth Calkins (married 1856)
- **First Wife's Death:** 1861
- **Second Marriage:** Sarah Rose (married after 1861)
- **Children:** Unknown

### Community Standing
- **Social Status:** Among the most prominent citizens of Mexico, NY during late 19th century
- **Public Recognition:** 80th birthday celebration documented in Mexico Independent newspaper (May 1, 1907)
- **Longevity:** Prominent civic figure for over 50 years (1850s-1900s)

## Significance for Skinner Family Property Research

### Timothy W. Skinner's Role
- **Generational Bridge:** Connected between Avery Skinner (1796-1876) and Charles Rufus Skinner (1844-1928)
- **Mexico Advocate:** Remained in Mexico throughout career, unlike brother Charles who moved to Watertown
- **Property Interests:** Banking and surrogate positions indicate significant financial resources and land interests
- **Legal Authority:** As surrogate, would have processed estate matters for prominent families, suggesting knowledge of property transfers and family holdings

### Property Documentation Connection
- Timothy W. Skinner's prominent 80th birthday article (May 1, 1907) appears in Mexico Independent
- This same newspaper documents Skinner family property holdings:
  - 1899: Skinner lot on Railroad Street
  - 1936: W. Skinner leaves post after 44 years (retirement milestone)
  - 1947: A.W. Skinner lands articles (June 26, July 3)
  - 1958: Richard B. Skinner wedding

### Timeline Integration
- **1827:** Timothy W. Skinner born in Mexico
- **1856-1861:** First marriage period; early legal career establishment
- **1863-1883:** Peak government service (surrogate elections)
- **Late 1800s:** Village leadership; property interests documented
- **1907:** 80th birthday celebration - evidence of continued family prominence
- **Post-1907:** Likely death in early 1910s

## Research Significance

Timothy W. Skinner represents the key link in understanding the Skinner family's three-generational prominence in Mexico, NY:

1. **Avery Skinner (1796-1876):** State-level political influence
2. **Timothy W. Skinner (1827-?):** Local government and business leadership in Mexico
3. **Charles Rufus Skinner (1844-1928):** Federal-level political prominence

The family's sustained presence in Mexico across these three generations suggests long-term property ownership and investment in the area, providing context for documented properties at Railroad Street (1899) and Scenic Avenue area (5707 Scenic Ave property research).

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**Captured:** 2026-03-30
**Status:** Biographical research compilation
**Format:** Markdown source capture
**Sources:** Political Graveyard, family genealogy records, Mexico Independent newspaper documentation
**Key Finding:** Timothy W. Skinner (born 1827) likely the "T.W. Skinner" of 1907 May 1 Mexico Independent 80th birthday article
**Relevance to 5707 Scenic Ave Property:** Establishes family's long-term Mexico, NY presence and business/property interests from mid-19th through early 20th century