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The record of the family, dates back through the 14th. Century. The name was originally Seudimore, but, was at an early date change to Skidmore.

The family came from the southwestern part of England in Wilts, a parish record shows a baptism of Mary, the daughter of Thomas Skidmore in 1657. A census report in Virginia shows an accounting taken in 1782 and 1785. It was called “ a census of the heads of families”. The name of Skidmore is found as follows: From Fairfax County  Virginia, the census of 1782, the names of Edward Skidmore, Elizabeth, Ann and Malinda. From Rockingham County, Virginia in the year 1784, the names of John, Joseph and Thomas Skidmore. Joseph the father of John and Thomas.

The early history shows, they took an active part in the Indian War and the struggle for independence is still established.

They were large in number as a family, spreading over many states, and numbering in their kindred ties, many thousand. Some of the characteristics of the Skidmore Family have been prominent in every generation. They are domestic in their habits, frugal and industrious; while large families was the rule and not the exception.

The old records show that the early  or first generations of the Skidmores owned a great deal of valuable lands. They were farmers, and sought the best farming land. In the early days, those coming to the Tygart Valley River, the Elk and the Holly, sought out the finest bottom lands, and for a hundred years or more much of this land remained in the possession of their descendants, They were tenacious and unyielding in what they conceived to be right. Florid expression and red to dark auburn hair, characterizes every generation. An inheritance that has never faded away.  It is probable the Skidmores were originally of Scotch origin and emigrated from that country, settling in Holland before coming to the United States.

Reference notes:
1657 Baptism record
Mary Skidmore
daughter of Thomas Skidmore
Census of the ‘heads of families’
Fairfax County, Virginia

Edward Skidmore                                     (head)
Elizabeth                                                   (housekeeper)
Ann                                                           (dau)
Malinda                                                     (dau)

Rockingham County, Virginia

John Skidmore                                           (head) age 40
Joseph                                                       (son)    age 23
Thomas                                                      (son)    age 19

JOSEPH SKIDMORE,  birth place  [ Holland ]  Farmer
Agnes (Annes) Caldwell                                                              wife

( 17 children )

JOHN                            son            b.  1725
married  ( Mary Magdelina “Polly” Hinkle )
 

THOMAS                       son
BENJAMIN                    son                                  married  ( Mary Gordon )
SAMUEL                        son                                  married  ( Elizabeth Scott )
JOSEPH                          son                                  married  ( Elizabeth Monroe )
JAMES                           son                                  married  ( Emsy Gillispie )
EDITH                            dau                                  married  ( Robert Chenowith )
POLLY                            dau                                 married  ( George Bickle )
MAHALA                     dau                                   married  ( Edward Robinson )
ELIZA                            dau                                   married  ( Henry Bickle )
PHEBE                           dau                                   married  ( Alex Taylor )
SUSAN                          dau                                    married  ( Samuel Harper )
MARY                            dau                                  married  ( Daniel Rodgers )
RACHEL                        dau                                  married  ( Joseph Friend )
LEVI                                son                                  married  ( Nancy Belknap )
ISSAC                             son                                   married  ( Lucinda Cogar )
ANDREW                      son                b.  1750
                                                                               married  ( MARGARET JOHN’SON )
 

JOSEPH SKIDMORE
                  and
                          AGNES (ANNES) CADWELL

Seventeen children: some of their names; JOHN born 1725, Thomas, Benjamin, Samuel, Joseph, James, ANDREW born 1750

                - and several daughters, one married a Taylor, one Joseph Friend, a Lawrence, Cogar, one married Jesse Cuningham, a Stonestreet, Robinson, and others.

Joseph Skidmore and his wife Agnes came from near Norfolk, Virginia before the Revolution and settled either in Bath or Pendelton County, Virginia.

John was the eldest of the seventeen children. He was married and had children older than his youngest brother Andrew.

Whether Joseph Skidmore , was born in this country or across the ocean, it is not known.

It is of JOHN SKIDMORE and his brother ANDREW that the following information will be directed. And the documentation to the lineage of DORTHY IRENE GREENE JOHNSON.

JOHN, Was born in 1725 and ANDREW in November of  1750. JOHN, was a Captain and commanded the Greenbrier Militia at the memorable battle at Point Pleasant, being badly wounded in the hip.

ANDREW, belonged to the same company and lost a finger in the same battle.

Captain JOHN SKIDMORE, married ‘ Polly ‘ Hinkle and raised a large family. Many Skidmore descendants settled in Pendelton, Randolph, Barbour, Braxton, and what is now Webster County. Counties that were then situated in Virginia, later to be located in the south-eastern portion of West Virginia.

The research of this family centers around the Skidmore’s of Braxton County. It would be of great interest to explore all the other above mentioned counties for family ties.

The tangible interest lies within the early pioneer settlers who helped carve out the new frontiers in Virginia and
( western ) Virginia. These large families must have contributed immensely.

CAPTAIN JOHN SKIDMORE, was a man of great piety. He was buried near Franklin, in Pendelton County, West Virginia.
Capt. JOHN SKIDMORE cont’d.

- 1 -   CAPTAIN JOHN SKIDMORE,  eldest of Joseph and Agnes
         Married Mary Magdalena “Polly” Hinkle, d/o John & Magdalena (Eschmann)Hinkle
CHILDREN:  ( 1 )  JOHN                 (7) Edith                  (13) Nancy
                       ( 2 )  JAMES               (8) Susan
                       ( 3 )  ELIZA                 (9) Mary
                       ( 4 )  ANDREW           (10) RachelI
                       ( 5 )  POLLY                (11) Levi
                       ( 6 )  PHEBE                 (12) Issac

( 1 )  John Skidmore, 1st. Born to Capt. John and ‘Polly”
         Married:  Nancy Tingler

         He was a Baptist preacher and was granted license by the Nicholas County Court
         to perform marriages. He died on the Holly River, Braxton County, West Virginia.

         John and Nancy’s children: 1.  Sallie
                                                      2.  Edie
                                                      3.  Polly
                                                      4.  Mahala

          Sallie Skidmore, married Dr. William Cozad
          Edie Skidmore, married Salathel Canfield
          Polly Skidmore, married n/a
          Mahala Skidmore, married Edward Robinson

( 2 )   James Skidmore, 2nd. Born to Capt.  John and ‘Polly’
          Married:  Sarah Bell Suttle

          He was a commissioned officer in the Virginia Militia; he was one of nature’s
          noblemen. His will dated August 1827, Pendelton County, Virginia, showed
          he willed quite an amount of property to his children.

          James’s sons Samuel and John were soldiers in the War of 1812. John died in the
          service at Norfolk, Virginia.

          Children:  1.  Samuel                     4.  Mary Belle
                           2.  John                        5.  Phoebe
                           3.  Jesse                       6.  Sarah

           1.  Samuel Skidmore,  1st. Born to James and Sarah
                Born 1792 - Died  1-11-1876      age 84 years
                Married Elizabeth “ Betsy “ Kiser  b.  1799
                Samuel was called “ Kiser “ Sam, he owned  large and valuable lands
                on the Holly River. He sold his land and moved west; his wife’s name
                being “ Kiser “, hence his nick name.
Samuel and “ Betsy ‘s “ children were:  Thomas, James, John, Issac, Jesse, Polly,
       Rachel.

       1.  Thomas Skidmore, 1st. Born to Sam and Betsy
            Born  1819
            Married 9-23-1854
                          Catherine Cogar

            Children:  Eliza Jane b. 1855;  Issac Newton b. 1856;  Luvica Ann b. 1859;
            William Thomas b. 1861;  Samuel Morris b. 1863;  John Franklin b. 1865;
            Margaret Ellen b. 1870.

       2.  James Skidmore, 2nd. Born to Sam and Betsy
            Born  1822
            Married  1-21-1849
                           Emsy Lewis

            Children:  Sarah Jane b. 1850;  Elizabeth b. 1853;  Samuel James b. 1854;
            Rachel Susan b. 1857;  John William b. 1860;  Virginia Ellen b. 1863;  Jemima
            Patrica b. 1865;  Phebe Alice b. 1869.

       3.  John Jackson Skidmore, 3rd. Born to Sam and Betsy
            Born 1825
            Married
                           Eliza________

            Children:  Jesse b. 1852;  Martha Ann b. 1853;  Mary Jane b. 1857;  Samuel b.
            1859;  Virginia Catherine b. 1862;  James Lewis b. 1867;  Lucinda Ann b. 1870.

       4.  Issac William Skidmore, 4th. Born to Sam and Betsy
            Born 1827
            Married   Jane Ellen Gum, born 1846

            Children:  Albert Allen b. 1866;  Louisa Ellen b. 1867;  Mary Elizabeth b. 1872

            ( Note ) Samuel Skidmore, Issac’s father made his home in this household from
            age around 78 until his death in 1876.

( 3 )  Eliza Skidmore, 3rd. Born to Capt. John and Polly
( 4 )  Andrew Skidmore, 4th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
        Lived in Pendelton County.
( 5 )  Polly Skidmore, 5th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
        Married Adam Lough
( 6 )  Phebe Skidmore, 6th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
        Married  Alexander Taylor
( 7 )  Edith Skidmore, 7th. Born to Capt.John and Polly
        Married  Robert Chenowith
( 8 )  Susan Skidmore, 8th Born to Capt. John and Polly
         Married  Thomas Harper
( 9 )  Mary Skidmore, 9th. orn to Capt. John and Polly
        Married  Daniel Rodgers
( 10 )  Rachel Skidmore, 10th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
          Married  Joseph Friend d/o Thomas Belknap
( 11 )  Levi Skidmore, 11th. orn to Capt. John and Polly
          Married Nancy Belknap

          Children:  Isacc b. 1811;  Thomas b. 1816;  Mary Louisa b. 1817  Susanna b.  1820

          1.  Issac Skidmore, 1st. Born to Levi and Nancy
               Born  9-18-1811 / Died  1870
               Married:  9-25-1846
                               Lucinda Cogar,  born 1831

               Issac Skidmore owned valuable land and property on the Elk River and was
               a prosperous farmer.

               Children: Francena b. 1846;  Samuel b. 1849;  Mary b. 1851;  Margaret b.  1855;
                              Jonthan b.1857;  Theodore b. 1858;  Felix B. B. 1860;  Phebe J. B. 1862
                              Luther C. B. 1866;  Pierson B. 1870:

          2.  Thomas Skidmore,  2nd. Born to Levi and Nancy
               Born 1816
               Married:  9-13-1841
                               Maria Wento Hines,  born 1818
                               D/O Mathew and Susannah ( Lynch ) Hines

                Children:  Mathew;  Clayborn;  Levi;  Caroline;  Mary Jane;  Elizabeth;  Susan.

                1.  Mathew Skidmore, 1st. Born to Thomas and Maria
                     Born:  1843
                     Married:  8-1-1872
                                     Salina J. Knight,  born 1853
                                     D/O H.B. Martin and Elvira ( Spires ) Knight

                2.  Clayborn Skidmore, 2nd. Born to Thomas and Maria
                     Born 1844
                    Married Elizabeth Fincham

                3.  Levi Skidmore, 3rd. Born to Thomas and Maria
                    Born:  1846
                    Married:  10-23-1873
                                    Margaret Perrine, born 1855
                       D/O Andrew and Barbara Perrine

   4.  Caroline Skidmore, 4th. Born to Thomas and Maria
        Born:  1848
        Married:  8-21-1869
                        Felix B. Hosey,  born  1842
                        S/O  John P. And Elizabeth Hosey

    5.  Mary Jane Skidmore,  5th. Born to Thomas and Maria
         Born: 1851
         Married:  10-1872
                         James A. Jordan,  born  1844
                         S/O Hester Jordan

    6.  Elizabeth Skidmore,  6th. born to Thomas and Maria
         Born:  1856

    7.  Susan Skidmore, 7th. Born to Thomas and Maria
         Born:  1869

            3.  Mary Louisa Skidmore,  3rd . born to Levi and Nancy
                 Born:  10-11-1817 / Died:  9-12-1873
                 Married:  10-28-1839
                                  Issac Hines,  born  3-16-1814 / Died:  6-20-1850
                                  S/O Mathew and Susannah ( Lynch ) Hines

                 Children:  Malvina;  Delilha;  Auswee ( Asbury );  Hansen;  Matthew;  Susanna.

                 1.  Malvina Hines, 1st. Born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                      Born:  1839

                 2.  Delilah Hines,  2nd. Born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                      Born:  1841
                      Married:  8-9-1870
                                      James F. Shock,  born  1845

                 3.  Auswee or ( Asbury ) Hines,  3rd. Born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                      Born:  1845
                 4.  Hansen Hines,  4th. Born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                      Born:  1847
                      Married:  4-3-1884    Ida Belle Smith,  born  1862
                                                        D/O  John   M.  and  Eliza Ann Smith

                5.  Mathew B. Hines,  5th. born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                     Born:  1850
                6.  Susanna Hines,  6th.  Born to Mary Louisa and Issac
                     Born:  1851

            4.  Susanna Skidmore,  4th. Born to Levi and Nancy
                 Born:  1820
                 Married:  12-3-1840
                                 Hiram Hines,  born  1812
                                 S/O Matthew and Susannah ( Lynch ) Hines

                  Children:  Mary Louisa;  Hiram Hudson;  Samuel S. ;  Issac W.;  Susan Ellen;
                                    Matthew S. ;  Emma Jane;  John Floyd

                   1.  Mary Louisa Hines,  1st. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                        Born:  1844
                        Married:  12-1868
                                        John Wesley Knight,  born  1842

                        Children:  Phebe Jane;  Hiram John;  Margaret “ Maggie “ Susan;
                                         David Franklin;  Samuel Skidmore Knight

                         1.  Phebe Jane Knight,  1st. Born to Mary and John
                              Born:  10-1-1869
                              Married:  Lewis Carpenter,  born  1863
                                              S/O Benjamin and Elizabeth Carpenter

                         2.  Hiram John Knight,  2nd. Born to Mary and John
                              Born:  1872
                              Married:  8-1-1894   ( 1st marriage )
                                              Laura Bell Gillespie,  born  1878
                                              D/O George W. And Margaret A. ( Knight ) Gillespie
                              ( 2nd. Marriage ) 12-22-1920
                                                             ( Mrs. ) Alice Gibson

                         3.  Margaret “ Maggie “ Susan Knight,  3rd. Born to Mary and John
                              Born:  1874
                              Married:  11-6-1892
                                              Christopher Monroe Jones,  born  1865

                         4.  David Franklin Knight,  4th. Born to Mary and John
                              Born:  4-2-1877
                              Married:  11-30-1906
                                              Bessie Kelley,  born  1887

                         5.  Samuel Skidmore Knight,  5th. Born to Mary and John
                                   Born:  1880
                                   Married:  7-14-1901
                                                   Margaret “ Peggy “ Stout,  born  1881

             2.  Hiram Hudson Hines,  2nd. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born  1846

             3.  Samuel S. Hines,  3rd. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born:  1848

             4.  Issac W. Hines,  4th. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born:  1851
                  Married:  1-8-1874     ( 1st marriage )
                                  Marisa J. Chapman,  born  1853

                  Children:  Catherine, b. 1875;  Michael  b.  1879;

                  ( 2nd. Marriage )  4-27-1890
                                                 ( Mrs. ) Phebe Jane Knight,  born  1850

                  ( 3rd.  Marriage )  9-10-1903
                                                 Susan Dillon,  born  1856

             5.  Susan Ellen Hines,  5th. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born:  1853
                  Married:  1-1-1879
                                  James Thayer,  born  1853

             6.  Matthew S. Hines,  6th. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born:  1855

             7.  Emma Jane Hines,  7th. Born to Susanna and Hiram
                  Born:  1858
                  Married:  1-19-1881
                                  Gerome Tinney,  born  1860
                                  S/O Elmoe and Rebecca Jane  ( Shaver )  Tinney

             8.  John Floyd Hines,  8th. Born to Susanna and John
                  Born:  1862
                  Married:  2-11-1892
                                  Harriett Knight,  born  1874
                                  D/O Hudson M. And Sarah Anne  ( Perrine )  Knight

( 12 )  Issac Skidmore, 12th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
          ( Drowned in Pendelton County )

( 13 )  Un-named girl child

( 14 )  Nancy Skidmore,  14th. Born to Capt. John and Polly
          No further info:

( Note ) Two ( 2 ) James Skidmores, one a son of Andrew and one a Captain in the Militia services.

The SKIDMORE  history to this point, is directed in reference to the family lineage to Capt. JOHN SKIDMORE, the first descendant to JOSEPH and Agnes SKIDMORE. Capt. JOHN, was the eldest and ANDREW, was the youngest of seventeen children.

John and Polly’s children:  JOHN - JAMES - ELIZA - ANDREW - POLLY - PHEBE - EDITH - SUSAN - MARY - RACHEL - LEVI - ISSAC - NANCY

Capt. JOHN SKIDMORE, was a Baptist Preacher. He died on the Holly River, Braxton County, West Virginia.

This information and documentation is directed to the SKIDMORE,  GREENE, and JOHNSON descendants.

Susan Inez SKIDMORE
D/O Allen SKIDMORE
Married:  John Marshall GREENE
                S/O  Charles William GREENE

Dorthy Irene GREENE
D/O  John Marshall and Susan [ SKIDMORE ]  GREENE
Married:  Floyd Louis JOHNSON

DORTHY IRENE [ GREENE ]  JOHNSON

Children of Dorthy and Floyd:
                                                    Eva Gertrude Johnson
                                                    Evva Genevieve Johnson
                                                    Boyd Earle Johnson
                                                    J.E. Edgil Johnson
                                                    Floyd Edward Johnson
                                                    Gannath Irene Johnson
                                                    Susan Inez Louise Johnson
                                                    John Marshall Johnson
                                                    James Burnell Johnson

 * JOSEPH and Agnes L SKIDMORE’S 17th. Child

Andrew and Margaret’s children:        *1 -  ANDREW SKIDMORE
                                                               2 -  JAMES SKIDMORE
                                                               3 -  NANCY SKIDMORE
                                                               4 -  MARY SKIDMORE
                                                               5 -  SARAH SKIDMORE
                                                               6 -  JOSEPH SKIDMORE
                                                               7 -  JESSE SKIDMORE
                                                               8 -  ELEANOR SKIDMORE
                                                               9 -  JOHN SKIDMORE
                                                             10 -  BENJAMIN SKIDMORE
                                                             11 -  MARGARET SKIDMORE
                                                             12 -  REBECCA SKIDMORE

[Footnote] The asterisk (*) symbol will be used to call attention to direct descendants of Dorthy Irene {Green)(e)} Johnson.

* ANDREW SKIDMORE - there is more a general knowledge about Andrew Skidmore,  the youngest son of Joseph and Agnes Skidmore and the younger brother of Capt. John Skidmore

* Andrew Skidmore, was born in November of 1750. He was twenty-four years old at the time of the battle of Point Pleasant and a private in his brother Capt. John Skidmore’s company. The Greenbrier Militia. The year was 1774.

* Andrew, was a daring and reckless soldier and Indian fighter. His hostility to the Indians did not cease after peace had been declared. Stories related to historians have been written about * Andrew.
                                      As follows----------;
                                           - He and two others were imprisoned in Pendelton County for killing Indians but, the sympathy of the citizens caused their release without the form of laws. A man named Stroud, had been killed in what is known as the Strouds Glade by the Indians in 1792. William Hacker, a Mr. Kittle, Bill White and others, had murdered Captain Bull and his little tribe of the Cherokee Nation, said to compose of five or six families, a remnant of friendly Indians who had sought shelter from their Northern enemies and built a small fort on the banks of the Little Kanawha River.

* Andrew Skidmore, said after they killed the Indians all of them, they stepped in a trough of bear’s oil to grease their moccasins, and went on. Whether he had participated in that unjustified slaughter or had the account given to him by lips of the other parties, is not known, but, the inference is he was along. His grand-daughter, Nellie Rodgers, lived in Roane County, West Virginia, was suppose to have told this story when she was ninety-eight.

This sturdy old soldier and pioneer with standing the hardships for independence and a long fight with the Indians, helped blaze the way for civilization in the western world.

* Andrew Skidmore, married MARGARET JOHN’SON of Randolph County {western} Virginia. They settled on the Tygarts Valley River near the town of Elkins. * Andrew, owned four hundred acres of valuable land. The date, November 24th, 1777, is entered on the deed.

Joseph, an elder brother entered on the same date, three hundred and fifty acres adjoining.

* Andrew, undertook the task to dig a ditch to carry water across a bottom at a long horseshoe bend, to secure water power to run a grist mill. He never completed this  this enterprise. Although the ditch remained to be seen for many years. The old soldier had spirit to undertake this project; to try and harness the water of the Tygart Valley River and make it useful to man.

* MARGARET JOHN’SON, * ANDREW SKIDMORE’S wife, was the daughter of Andrew John’son; Andrew John’son, also had six (6) sons:

They were:  JOHN, Charles, Robert, Oliver, Jacob, and Levi

[Note:] Additional information on some members of Margaret’s family is added later under * JOHN’SON
 

* ANDREW SKIDMORE and MARGARET [ JOHN’SON ] SKIDMORE’S children:

                                                       * 1 - ANDREW SKIDMORE
                                                          2 - James Skidmore
                                                          3 - Nancy Skidmore
                                                          4 - Mary Skidmore
                                                          5 - Sarah Skidmore
                                                          6 - Joseph Skidmore
                                                          7 - Jesse Skidmore
                                                          8 - Eleanor Skidmore
                                                          9 - John Skidmore
                                                        10 - Benjamin Skidmore
                                                        11 - Margaret Skidmore
                                                        12 - Rebecca Skidmore

       Andrew and Margaret’s children:      -1- Felix Skidmore
                                                               * -2- ALLEN SKIDMORE
                                                                  -3- James Skidmore
                                                                  -4- Naomi Skidmore
                                                                  -5- Polly Skidmore
                                                                  -6- Sally Skidmore
                                                                  -7- David Skidmore
                                                                  -8- Eliza Skidmore
                                                                  -9- Susan Skidmore
                                                                -10- Nellie Skidmore

       -1-  FELIX SKIDMORE.  1st. Born to * Andrew Skidmore and
                                                               * Margaret ( Hudkins ) Skidmore
             Born:  April 18. 1823   Braxton C0.,  ( western ) Virginia
             Married:  September 28, 1843
                             Cynthia Frame
                                                     D/O David and Sarah ( Hiram ) Frame

              Felix and Cynthia’s children:  Sarah Skidmore

                                                                 Margaret Skidmore
                                                                 David Skidmore
                                                                 Amanda Skidmore
                                                                 Homer Skidmore
                                                                 Franklin Skidmore
                                                                 Harriet Skidmore
                                                                 Henry F. Skidmore

Felix Skidmore, lived with his parents * Andrew and Margaret ( Hudkins ) Skidmore until he was seventeen years old when he began to ride as Deputy Sheriff of Braxton County, which he followed for two years. He held other county offices also, commissioner in Chancery, Justice of the Peace, a second term as county sheriff’s deputy. He was a captain in the state militia from 1845 till 1850. In 1859, he opened a mercantile business in the town of Sutton, Braxton county, Virginia, which he had when the War started: his business was ruined. In 1863 he started another store in Harrison Co., Clarksburg, West Virginia. He returned to Sutton some years later and ventured into this business again. In 1872, he built a saw and grist mill in Little Birch, Braxton County, which he followed for many years.
 She endeared the hearts of all of her friends and neighbors as well her family,” it was written.

To the memory of ALLEN SKIDMORE, son of ANDREW SKIDMORE and father of SUSAN SKIDMORE GREEN(E) and grand-father of * DORTHY IRENE GREEN(E) JOHNSON.

He was a man of exemplary Christian character touched with a devine spirit of grace. He exemplified in his moral life more of the characteristics of a frontiersman than is usually found in a well settled country. His desires were to do good and was best contented in a humble home where he spent the greater part of his life; a home stronger and more impregnable than the fortress or palace of a king. It was here he established his altar; for God was with him.

[ Note: ] The above kind words about * Allen Skidmore were found in the writings of the Sutton History, author John D. Sutton.

                      *  Andrew W. Skidmore,  [ Andrew’s middle name was William ]

* Andrew W. Skidmore and * Margaret ( Hudkins ) Skidmore, settled three miles below Sutton, in Braxton County, on a tract of one-hundred and forty acres of good land, bought from John D. Sutton.

He paid for the land principally by his labor. He built a post and rail fence on the bottom where the town of Sutton stands He was a man of remarkable strength and endurance.

                The story was told; he once killed a yearling bear on Wolfcreek in Braxton County and carried it home. As well as his gun, shot pouch, and knapsack, only laying his load down once or twice to rest, the distance of seven miles to his home.

The old hewn log house which he built, was also occupied by his son James in which he reared his children. And, from the shelter of which they married and went out into the world.

            - 3 -  JAMES SKIDMORE,  3rd. Born to * Andrew and * Margaret ( Hudkins )
                    Born:  3-14-1822
                    Married:  1855
                                     Caroline Duffield,  Born:  2-22-1839
                                     D/O  George and Hannah Duffield

                     James and Caroline’s children:  Ursula  b.  1857;  Virginia  b.  1861;
                                                                            Louisa  b.  1862;  Curtis  b.  1864;
                                                                            Clary  b.  1865;  Henderson  b.  1872;

* Andrew, his wife * Margaret ( Hudkins ) Skidmore, and several of their children are buried in the BEALS MILLS CEMETERY, Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia and also the SKIDMORE CEMETERY, at Sutton, Braxton Co., West Virginia

James Skidmore and Caroline raised a large family. James, owned the old farm where he was born. It was later owned by a son, Henderson. James, and Caroline are buried at the BELL CEMETERY, two miles above Gassaway on the Elk River, Braxton Co., West Virginia.

           -4-  NAOMI SKIDMORE,  4th. Born to Andrew W. and Margaret
                 Married Levi Rodgers

           -5-  POLLY SKIDMORE,  5th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret

           -6-  SALLY SKIDMORE,  6th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret
                 Married:  Levi Prince

           -7-  DAVID SKIDMORE,  7th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret
                 Died in infancy

           -8-  ELIZA SKIDMORE,  8th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret
                 Died in infancy

           -9-  SUSAN SKIDMORE,  9th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret
                 Married  Felix Sutton

         -10-  NELLIE SKIDMORE,  10th. Born to Andrew W. And Margaret
                 Married:  Elija Rodgers

[ Note: ]  This concludes the data on * ANDREW W. SKIDMORE’S immediate family.

                children of Dorthy and Floyd:         EVA GERTRUDE JOHNSON
                                                                         EVVA GENEVIEVE JOHNSON
                                                                         BOYD EARL JOHNSON JOHNSTON
                                                                         J.E. EDGIL JOHNSON
                                                                         FLOYD EDWARD JOHNSON
                                                                         GANNATH IRENE JOHNSON
                                                                         SUSAN INEZ LOUISE JOHNSON
                                                                         JOHN MARSHALL JOHNSON
                                                                         JAMES BURNELL JOHNSON

2 - JAMES SKIDMORE,  2nd, born to Andrew Skidmore
                                                            and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  1786
     Married:  SARAH KITTLE
                     D/O Jacob Kittle

     Children:   William Skidmore
                       Hickman Skidmore
                       Edwin Skidmore
                       Edith Skidmore
                       Mary Skidmore
                       Elizabeth Skidmore
                       Margaret Skidmore
                       Rachel Skidmore
                       Sarah Skidmore

      Marriages of the daughters:
      Edith Skidmore,  4th. Born to James and Sarah
      Married:  James Madison Corley

      [ Interment: Corley Cemetery - location old Corley place, Flatwoods,   Braxton Co., WV. ]

       Mary Skidmore,  5th. Born to James and Sarah
       Married:  John Daly of Lewis County, WV.

       Elizabeth Skidmore,  6th. Born to James and Sarah
       Married:  Issac Harris

       Rachel Skidmore,  8th. Born to James and Sarah
       Married:  John K. Scott
                       [ They raised a large Scott family ]

       Sarah Skidmore,  9th. Born to James and Sarah
       Married:  William F. Corley
                       [ Their son A.W. Corley, was a prominent attorney of ]
                                    Sutton, Braxton County, WV.

3 - NANCY SKIDMORE,  3rd. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  12-25-1787
     Married:  n/a

 4 - MARY SKIDMORE,  4th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  2-14-1789

 5 - SARAH SKIDMORE,  5th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  5-28-1792

 6 - JOSEPH SKIDMORE,  6th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  6-17-1794

 7 - JESSE SKIDMORE,  7th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  4-6-1796

 8 - ELEANOR SKIDMORE,  8th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  3-15-1798

 9 - JOHN SKIDMORE,  9th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
     Born:  8-15-1800

10 - BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SKIDMORE,  10th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son )
SKIDMORE       Born:  10-20- 1802

  10 - BENJAMIN F. SKIDMORE,  10th.  Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
         Born:  10-20-1802  /  7-8-1874
         Married:  1826
                          MARY GORDON.  b.  3-10-1806  /  d.  12-2-1887

         Children:  1.  Hillard Skidmore
                          2.  George Washington Skidmore
                          3.  John Newhouse Skidmore
                          4.  Selina Skidmore
                          5.  Sabina Skidmore
                          6.  Caroline Skidmore
                          7.  Benjamin Franklin Skidmore
                          8.  James Jennings Skidmore
                          9.  Mary Ann Skidmore
                        10.  Rebecca Skidmore

          1.  Hillard Skidmore, 1st. Born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
               Born:  1827  /
               Married:  1857
                                Elizabeth Daly,  b.  1830

                Children:  1.  Andrew Franklin Skidmore
                                 2.  Benjamin Thomas Skidmore
                                 3.  Mary Elizabeth Skidmore
                                 4.  Sarah Alice Skidmore
                                 5.  Sabrina Ellen Skidmore
                                 6.  James Henry Skidmore
                                 7.  Rebecca Louisa Skidmore

                1.  Andrew Franklin Skidmore,  1st. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                     Born:  1855
                2.  Benjamin Thomas Skidmore,  2nd. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                     Born:  1857
                3.  Mary Elizabeth Skidmore,  3rd. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                     Born:  1858
                4.  Sarah Alice Skidmore,  4th. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                     Born:  1861
                5.  Sabrina Ellen Skidmore,  5th. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                 6.  James Henry Skidmore,  6th. born to Hillard and Elizabeth
                7.  Rebecca Louisa Skidmore,  7th. born to Hillard and Elizabeth

              2.  George W. Skidmore,  2nd. Born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1830

              3.  John Newhouse Skidmore,  3rd. born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1832
                   Married:  Elizabeth

                   Children:  1.  Levi Skidmore
                                    2.  Isabel Jane Skidmore
                                    3.  Jonathan Allen Skidmore
                                    4.  Nancy Ann Skidmore

              4.  Selina Skidmore,  4th. born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1836
                   Married:  James Adam Baughman

              5.  Sabina Skidmore,  5th. born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1840
                   Married:  Benjamin T. Canfield

              6.  Caroline Ann Skidmore,  6th. born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1844
                   Married:  James M. Mace

              7.  BENJAMIN F. SKIDMORE,  7th. born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1-25-1846  /  Died:  1-15-1929
                   Married:  12-19-1867
                                    * TAMAR KATE JOHNSTON,  Born:  1848  /  Died:  1924
                                    D/O John and Margaret  ( Miller ) Johnston

                  Children of Ben and Tamar:     1.  George Washington Skidmore
                                                                   2.  James Edward Skidmore
                                                                   3.  Elizabeth Louisa Skidmore
                                                                   4.  Mamie Rachael Skidmore

                  1.  George Washington Skidmore,  1st. Born to Ben and Tamar
                       Born:  9-28-1868
                       Married:  9-21-1904
                                        Mary Elizabeth Fisch

                       Children:  1.  Holly Skidmore
                                       2.  Franklin Skidmore
                                        3.  Henry Skidmore
                                        4.  Cecil Skidmore

              2.  James Edward Skidmore,  2nd born to Ben and Tamar
                   Born:  1872

              3.  Elizabeth Louisa Skidmore,  3rd. Born to Ben and Tamar
                   Born:  1879

              4.  Mamie Rachael Skidmore, 4th. Born to Ben and Tamar
                   Born:  2-17-1882  /  Died:  9-19-1884    age 2 yr.  11mo.   2da.

          8.  James Jennings Skidmore,  8th. Born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
               Born:  3-23-1848
               Married:  1870                      1st. Marriage
                               Margaret Simpson  Born:  6-14-1851

               Children:    1.  Johnson Skidmore
                                 2.  Edward Skidmore
                                 3.  Charles Skidmore
                                 4.  Jackson Skidmore
                                 5.  Jennings Skidmore
                                 6.  Amos Skidmore
                                 7.  Harry Skidmore
                                 8.  Rena Skidmore
                                 9.  Sallie Skidmore

                James Jennings Skidmore
                                      2nd. Marriage
                                              Married:  Kate Davis

                Children of James and Kate:      1.  Esther Skidmore
                                                                   2.  Anna Lee Skidmore
                                                                   3.  Nadine Skidmore
                                                                   4.  Gordon Skidmore

       JAMES JENNINGS SKIDMORE, was one of Sutton, Braxton County, West Virginia’s most prosperous citizens, but, met with financial reverses in the 1890’s. Left Sutton, moving first to Centralia, West Virginia and then to Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia. At each of these places he conducted a boarding house. He was honest, industrious and well-liked citizen. His death was sudden.

       JOHNSON SKIDMORE, James’s eldest son lived at Huntington, West Virginia: EDWARD, CHARLIE and JACK, at Beaumont, Texas; JENNINGS at Weston, West Virginia; SALLIE, married Felix Rodgers, lived near Buckhannon, West Virginia; RENA, married Robert Davis, lived in Harrison County, West Virginia.

      JAMES JENNINGS SKIDMORE, was one among the last survivors of the grand-children of ANDREW SKIDMORE, who was a soldier in the Revolution.

              9.  Mary Ann Skidmore,  9th. Born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1851
                   Married:  William S. Gillespie

            10.  Rebecca Skidmore,  10th. Born to Ben and Mary ( Gordon ) Skidmore
                   Born:  1859
                   Married:  Thomas Daly, of Weston, Lewis Co., West Virginia.

               BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SKIDMORE,  10th. Born to ANDREW and MARGARET ( JOHN’SON ) SKIDMORE -

                He owned what was known as the SKIDMORE BOTTOM, which is now a part of Sutton, Braxton Co., WV.   BENJAMIN, his wife MARY ( GORDON ) and several of his children are buried at Sutton in the SKIDMORE CEMETERY.

11 - MARGARET SKIDMORE, 11th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
       Born:  2-10-1804

12 - REBECCA SKIDMORE,  12th. Born to Andrew and Margaret ( John’son ) Skidmore
       Born:  5-7-1807

In tracing genealogy of a family, one finds a similarity of names running through each generation. In the SKIDMORE’S; Polly, Rachael, Edith, Betsy, Phebe, ANDREW, James, Thomas. The name of Oliver appears in the Scott Family, taken from the JOHNSTON’S, as well as the name JACOB, ANDREW, ROBERT and LEVI. -

The SKIDMORE’S in an early day entered in marriage with the Chenowiths, JOHNSTONS, Coberlys, Kettles, Corleys, Scott, Hinkle and others. As a rule they are exemplary citizens and have been loyal to the government, serving in every war from 1774 to present day. Few of them chose the legal profession, but, they penetrated the forests and assisted in driving back the savage and exterminating the panther and the bear. They built churches, schools, and transformed the wilderness into a land safe to live in. They blazed the foot paths and opened up the way for generations to follow.

Who stops to think while passing the grave that contains the sacred dust of these fore fathers that drove the savage from the ocean to ocean and conquered a mighty empire. Not the citizens of wealth or the man in authority, not the gentleman of leisure, not society cultured all sparkling in gems, all beneficiaries of a generation unsurpassed and immortal. Every grave should have a monument; every county should have an historical society and map out and make note of the name and place of the silent and long neglected graves, the state of West Virginia, with her limitless treasure, might in justice make provisions to seek out and memorialize her worthy pioneer dead.

As said in the beginning that large families were the rule and not the exception. There were seventeen in the beginning about 1745 or 1750. Capt. JOHN SKIDMORE, had twelve children; ANDREW, twelve; LEVI, twelve, and of the grand-children; ANDREW W. SKIDMORE had ten children and lived to see his fifth generation. MARY, daughter of Rev. J. Y. Gillespie nine, BENJAMIN, twelve, JAMES, twelve, JOHN, twelve, ALLEN had fifteen, JENNINGS SKIDMORE, father of seventeen, as did JOSEPH,  his great grand-father. Mrs. NELLIE RODGERS, thirteen; Mrs. CANFIELD, thirteen. A member of the forth generation had twenty children. DAVID SKIDMORE JACKSON, fathered sixteen children including one set of triplets.

If the descendants of JOSEPH and RACHAEL SKIDMORE, could be numbered for all the generations to the present and all the kindred blood, they would out number all the army that followed Grant through the wilderness to Richmond.

The historian, John D. Sutton, wrote about seeing Mrs. Delila Cogar, also David Chenowith. David, age eighty-eight, were the only living grand-children of Capt. JOHN SKIDMORE. Delila, was next to the youngest of LEVI SKIDMORE, and one of twelve children. LEVI, was the twelfth child of Capt. JOHN. Delila, was in her ninety-second year, still keeping house. A woman of intelligence and strong character.

Mrs. Delila Cogar, told about her great grand-father, JOSEPH SKIDMORE, lived in Pendleton County on a small run. The Indians came to the house and took a hog that was slaughtered and dressed, hanging up in the smoke house. Her great grand-mother Agnes, was the only one at home. The Indians ran around the house, looking through the cracks of the wall and laughed at her. She sat in the middle of the cabin floor crying. She also remembered Capt. JOHN’S wife, That she outlived her husband several years, and was blind for a few years before her death. She lived with her son JOHN, and requested to be buried under an apple tree.

There has been an attempt to bring out the various branches of the SKIDMORE Family and to try and place a few genealogical order. To search out all the members of the first generations would fill quite a volume, for the SKIDMORE family was thought to be the largest in the United States.

The attempt has been to gather a few facts to provide for any of the kindred wishing to do further research on this family connection to use as guidelines.

This great family is one of honor. Christian virtue and integrity no one can deny, and since ANDREW, the old Indian fighter, who helped to drive the redskins from the Alleghenies across the Ohio River and was put in prison for killing Indians after a peace had been declared. Not one however has been tried for a crime nor looked through the bars of a prison.

Margaret John’son of Randolph County, Virginia wife of Andrew Skidmore born 1750 mother of Andrew Skidmore born 1874 grand-mother of Allen Skidmore born 1821 great grand-mother of Susan Skidmore born 1870
great, great grand-mother of

* DORTHY IRENE GREEN(E) JOHNSON
{6th. Generation removed from the progenitor of this compiled research}
 

                                           JOSEPH SKIDMORE
                                           MARGARET JOHN’SON
                                           D/O Andrew John’son
                                                        Married
                                                                   Andrew Skidmore
                                                                   S/O Joseph Skidmore

MARGARET JOHN’SON,  5th. Born to Andrew John’son
Married:
Andrew Skidmore
17th.  Born to Joseph and Rachael Skidmore

Andrew John’son children:     [1] - John Andrew John’son
                                                [2] - Charles John’son
                                                [3] - Robert John’son
                                                [4] - Oliver John’son
                                            *  [5] - MARGARET JOHN’SON
                                            *  [6] - JACOB JOHN’SON
                                                [7] - Levi John’son
 

Information on two of the afore said children will be included:

* [5]
MARGARET JOHN’SON, married Andrew Skidmore; they were the parents of Andrew Skidmore, James Skidmore, Nancy Skidmore, Mary Skidmore, Sarah Skidmore. Joseph Skidmore, Jesse Skidmore, Eleanor Skidmore, John Skidmore, Benjamin Skidmore, Margaret Skidmore, Rebecca Skidmore.

  {6}
JACOB JOHNSON,  6th. Born to Andrew John’son
Married:  Mary “ Polly “ McDonough
                                                               of Raleigh, North Carolina

Children of Jacob and Mary “ Polly “
                                                                        A - Thomas Johnson
                                                                        B - Eli Johnson
                                                                        C - Joseph Johnson
                                                                   ** D - ANDREW JOHNSON

Re: The following info refers to ** Andrew Johnson {17th President of the United States}
** ANDREW JOHNSON
S/O Jacob and Mary “ Polly “ (McDonough Johnson)
Nephew of * Margaret (John’son) Skidmore

** ANDREW JOHNSON, became a public figure during the nation’s greatest crises - the American Civil War.  Although he came from the slave state of Tennessee, Johnson refused to resign as United States Senator when the state seceded; instead, he worked to preserve the Union. For his efforts he won the vice-presidency, taking office in March 1865. Six weeks later Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and ** Andrew became president.

In this time **Andrew Johnson’s administration was widely condemned. His reconstruction polices were bitterly opposed in congress by the Radicals, the majority faction of the Republican party. The resulting political struggles led to an unsuccessful attempt in the United States Senate to remove him from office.

** ANDREW JOHNSON. Was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, December 29, 1808. He was a younger son of Jacob and Mary “ Polly “ Johnson. His father died three years after ** ANDREW was born. The family was very poor, even after his mother “ Polly “ re-married. Unable to attend school, young ** ANDREW was hired out as a tailor at an early age. He learned the trade but was so unhappy at his job that he refused to serve out his apprenticeship.

In 1826 the Johnson’s moved to Tennessee, and ** ANDREW finally settled in Greenville. The following year he married Eliza McCardle, daughter of a Scottish shoemaker. They had five children- Martha, Charles, Mary, Robert, and Andrew. Eliza was a great help to her husband in improving his reading, writing, and general education.

Meanwhile ** ANDREW had become a successful tailor and an important figure in Greenville. He was elected a city alderman three times and then Mayor. In 1835 he was elected to the state legislature where he served two terms in the House of Representatives and one term in the senate, politically, he was a Jacksonian Democrat. [Ref. To Andrew Jackson].

In 1843 ** Andrew began his first of five consecutive terms in the United States Congress. His most notable achievement  there was the introduction of the first homestead bill. This would have cut up Western public lands into small holdings for the free farmers, ** ANDREW’S bill was defeated by Southern representatives.

Throughout his career ** ANDREW championed the cause of the workingman against the interests of the slave holders. His lack of formal schooling and his homespun qualities were highly popular with his constituency.
In 1857 ** ANDREW became a United States Senator from Tennessee. He again tried to enact a homestead law but the measure was vetoed by President Buchanan. (Such a bill was not passed until 1862, after the secession of the slave states.)

When secession came in 1860-61, ** ANDREW attracted the attention of the North by his arguments for the Union. People in the North took a note of him because he was the only Southern senator who did not resign and side with his state when it seceded.

In March 1862 President Lincoln appointed ** ANDREW military governor of Tennessee. Although Tennessee had seceded in 1861, eastern Tennessee remained loyal to the Union. ** ANDREW set out to restore civil government in Tennessee after the defeat in 1863 of the last remaining Confederate forces holding out.

In the Republican Convention of 1864 Lincoln’s nomination for president was assured. In choosing a vice presidential candidate the convention wanted to name a man who would appeal to Democrats and Republicans alike. ** ANDREW was selected because of his work for the Union and his political label as a “ War Democrat.” Under the name Union Party, this ticket won an easy victory.

Upon the assassination of Lincoln, April 4, 1865, ** ANDREW was elevated to the presidency. He now had to face a series of difficult problems. The Civil War was over, but, its damages were still to be repaired and the Union restored. The bitterness of the people in the North was increased by the death of Lincoln, many held the South responsible for the tragedy, and a majority in both houses of Congress were demanding harsh measures against the defeated states.

At first many Congressional leaders liked the idea of ** ANDREW as President. They felt that Lincoln would be to merciful to the South and that ** ANDREW would be more unforgiving. During his early weeks in office the new president seemed to justify this belief. He denounced Confederates as traitors, saying they must be punished and “ impoverished.”

Soon ** ANDREW changed his attitude. Before congress met in December 1865 he had recognized  state governments in nearly all the seceding states that had not reconstructed under Lincoln. But congress refused to seat men from these states, claiming its right to judge the qualifications of prospective Southern members. The remainder of ** ANDREW’S administration was dominated by a long and bitter struggle with congress about the supremacy of legislature over executive rule.

** ANDREW believed firmly in states’ rights. Consequently, he vetoed a bill that would have increased the powers of the Freedmen’s Bureau, established as a guardian of the freed slaves. He also vetoed a Civil Rights Bill that placed all cases involving the rights of blacks in the federal rather than the state courts. Congress passed both of these bills over his veto and then proposed the 14th. Amendment to the Constitution. This would deprive the Southern states of their full share of representation in congress unless they gave blacks the right to vote. It also excluded from office all who had taken part in the rebellion until they were pardoned by a two-thirds vote of each house.

Before the Congressional elections of 1866 the president appealed to the people to support his policies. He made a tour through the country - called a “swing around the circle” - in which he spoke bitterly of congress. The effort proved to be a complete failure. His personal abuse of his opponents lost ** ANDREW what little support he had.

In 1867 and 1868 congress passed a series of four reconstruction acts establishing military rule and conditions of re-admission for ten Southern States. ** ANDREW vetoed every one of these measures, but each time congress overrode the president’s disapproval.

In 1868 the quarrel between ** ANDREW and the Radical Republicans in congress came to a head. The president sought to remove Edwin M. Stanton as his secretary of war. This action violated a Tenure of Office Act passed by congress in 1867 to limit the powers of the presidency. Stanton refused to give up his office, and the Senate supported him.

Charges of impeachment were sought against ** ANDREW by the House of Representatives. The grounds of the charges were clearly political. Acting as a court of trial the Senate voted 35 for removal from office and 19 against it. As 36 votes two-thirds of the membership-were necessary for conviction, ** ANDREW’S impeachment was not upheld.

The struggle over reconstruction overshadowed two important international developments. During the Civil War the French Emperor, Napoleon III, had installed Archduke Maximilian of Austria on the Mexican Throne. In 1867 ** ANDREW JOHNSON forced the French Troops to withdraw. Maximilian was overthrown by Mexican Patriots.

In 1867 Alaska was purchased from Russia for $7,200,000 on the advice of the Secretary of State, William H. Seward. Gold had not yet been found there, and many people thought it a bad bargain. They called it “Seward’s folly”.

** ANDREW JOHNSON left office in 1869 under a storm of abuse. In 1872 he ran for congressman-at-large from Tennessee but was defeated two years later he campaigned for senator and this time he won. In 1875 he took his seat in the senate. He suffered a paralytic attack several months later he died on July 31,1875 he was buried in Greenville, North Carolina.

Bio. For ** ANDREW [The Presidency of Andrew Johnson], [Facts about the Presidents], [Andrew Johnson, 17th President of the United States]