John W. Skinner

JOHN W. SKINNER

John W. Skinner, whose ranch of sixty acres is situated two and a half miles northwest of Sunnyside, was born in Cass county, Indiana, March 10, 1860, a son of Andrew J. and Eliza Jane (Payton) Skinner.  The father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, as was the mother, and their marriage was celebrated in their native state.  Soon afterward they removed to Indiana and Mr. Skinner engaged in farming in that state until 1872, when he went to Osage county, Kansas, where both he and his wife passed away.

John W. Skinner acquired a public school education and at the age of twenty
years started in business on his own account.  He rented land in the middle west
until 1911, when he came to Yakima county, Washington, and continued the cultivation of rented land until 1916.  He then purchased a tract of sixty acres two and a half miles northwest of Sunnyside, an improved ranch property on which is a good house, substantial barns and other modern equipments.  His attention is given to the cultivation of such crops as hay, corn and potatoes and he also conducts a dairy business.  His plans are well defined and promptly executed and his energy has been the strong foundation of his success.

On the 24th of December, 1882, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss Mellie M. Burkett, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of G. W. and Melissa (Dariberry) Burkett, both of whom are deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have two daughters: Jessie Belle, the wife of William Burt, a farmer of Osage county, Kansas, by whom she has three children; and Jennie Jeanette, the wife of John A. Frye, a ranchman of Yakima, by whom she has one child.

Fraternally Mr. Skinner is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and politically he is a republican, but his attention and interest center upon his business affairs and his close application thereto has brought to him a gratifying measure of prosperity.