Thomas Skinner Genealogy
Thomas Skinner Genealogy
The family of Thomas Skinner was contemporaneous with that of John and Jane Skinner. It is not known
whether they were related. However, there are no records that obviously relate the two families.
GENERATION 1 GENERATION 3
1. Thomas Skinner and Elizabeth Daniel Children of Samuel Skinner and Lucy Randolph
9. William Skinner. He was born before 1716.
GENERATION 2 10. Lucy Skinner. She was born before 1716. She
Children of Thomas Skinner and Elizabeth married M Cook.
Daniel 11. Elizabeth Skinner. Born Before 1716.
2. Samuel Skinner. He was born about 1686 and
died during the summer of 17371 in Elizabeth Children of Samuel Skinner and Elizabeth
City County, VA. He first married Lucy Randolph
Randolph. He second married Elizabeth 12. Samuel Skinner Jr.
Randolph. 13. Unborn
3. Joseph Skinner. He was born by 1694 and died
in 1725. He married Mrs. Hannah Bright, Children of Ann Skinner and _____ Carter
widow of Robert Bright2 by 1725. 14. Thomas Carter
4. Ann Skinner. She married ______ Carter. 15. Rosie Carter
5. Jonathan Skinner.
6. Martha Skinner. She married Mark Powell.
7. Mary Skinner. She married Mark James Bullock.
8. Darby Skinner. Born by 1710.
GENERATION 1
1. Thomas Skinner was born before 1664 and died about 17233 in Elizabeth City County, VA. He married
Elizabeth Daniel about 1684 in Elizabeth Co., VA. She was the daughter of Darby Daniel4 (born about
1629 in England, died after 1698 in York County, VA) and Ann.5 Elizabeth’s grandparents were Roger
Daniel and Anne. Elizabeth died by early 1723, presumably about the same time as her husband.
1
1737, Aug p. 220 Will of Samuel Skinner Planter. Leg, Wife Elizabeth; son William, Daughter Loosee; Daughter
Elizabeth; Son Samuel Jr. when of age; Provision for unborn child. Dated Aug 1737. Recorded 16 Nov 1737. Bk.
1737/49 p.19 original will. Estate appraised by Samuel Gult, Alexander Kenedy, William Henry, Francis Middlehurst
[Riddlehurst?] 17 May 1738 bk. 1737/49 pg. 49
2
1722/23, 19 January. Robert Bright Will. Legacy wife Hannah. Execs: Wife. Dated 19 January, 1722/23. Book
1721/23, page 169.
--1725, 19 May. Hannah Skinner qualifies the will of her late husband, Robert Bright. Ord, Book 1723/29, page. 92.
Also Order Book #10 1721-23, p. 169-70.
3
Sec, 1723. Joseph Skinner, Admin of Thomas Skinner. Jno King and Charles King security. Page 194 John Pitts.
Est; bond for Joseph Skinner as admin sec, Bryan Penne & Hugh Ross. 21 February 1722/23, book 1721/23. Photostat
LDS Library.
4
Payne Daniel’s website shows: Darby Daniel's estate was appraised in March 1698 (Order Book 1689-1699, page
130). Darby Daniel has been linked to John Daniel of York but this does not appear to be the case. He died interstate,
probation granted to Ann Daniell, executrix – appraisers for the orphans of Darby Daniel, Henry Robinson and John
Cooper. Appraiser for the widow, Henry Royall and George Cooper – dated 18 March 1698. (However, John Daniel of
York County, VA may be the John Daniel shown as his brother per this lineage)
5
Will of Ann Daniell of 3 October 1715, recorded/probated 15 August 1716 (Book 1715-1721, pg. 41) (This is the will
of Ann Harrison (Grove?) Copeland Daniel). To son Samuel Daniel, cattle at Thomas Skinner’s plantation. To Ann,
Sources:
[V] c1685 Married Elizabeth Daniel ca 1685. She was the daughter of Darby Daniel and a sister of Samuel
Daniel. There are a number of records related to the Daniel family in Elizabeth City County records.
[L] 1689 An account of John Smyth's estate lists Thomas Skinner as Cr (creditor?). Sworn in court 18 Jul
1692. [Elizabeth City Deed, Wills, Etc. p121(35)] Smith was a silversmith.
[X] 1694 May 20 Delivery by turf & twigg made to Henry Royall. Wit, Tho. (X) Skiner and Wm. Latham.
[p253(168)]
[L] 1695 Aug 19. License for ordinary granted to Tho. Skinner at Hampton Town. Returned 15 Oct 95.
[Elizabeth City Deed, Wills, Etc. p156(70)]
[L] 1696 Aug 18. At a Court held on that date, Augustine Moore complains that Tho. Skiner and John
Skinner among others had been summoned to serve on a Jury of Inquest and failed to appear. The Sheriff is
ordered to summon them to "answer for such contempt." [Elizabeth City Deed, Wills, Etc. p.100]
[L] 1695/6 Jan 20. Sheriff is ordered to act concerning the non-appearance of Thomas Roberts to answer
the suit of Thomas Skinner in an action of the case for 45 shillings. [Elizabeth City Deed, Wills, Etc. p80]
[L] 1696/7 Jan 28. Judgment granted agt Thomas Robert for 35 sh due by specialty to Wm. Mallory as
assignee of Thomas Skiner, with costs at exon. [Elizabeth City Deed, Wills, Etc. p.109]
[L] 1698 May 18. At a court held on that date, Tho. Skinner served on a jury. [Elizabeth City Deed, Wills,
Etc. page 133]
**The main Elizabeth City County deeds, wills, court orders records from 1702 through 1715 are
missing.**
[L] 1721, Oct 30. First mention of suit in Chancery between Thomas and Elizabeth Skinner, friend to
Darby and Samuel Skinner [infants], and John Mitchell, Executer of Samuel Daniel estate is referred to the
next court. This suit which relates to how the estate is to be divided among the heirs is delayed a number of
times over the coming months. On page 82, it is agreed that the attorneys will appraise the estate and
propose a fair distribution. On page 149, although difficult to read, it appears that the suit may have finally
been settled (late 1722).
[L] Thomas Skinner to be paid for giving evidence against Mitchell. Order Book #10 1721-23, p. 159.
[L] Thomas Skinner appointed executor for John Pett’s estate. Order Book #10 1721-23, p. 159.
[L] 1721. Petition of Thomas Skinner against the estate of William Smelt is rejected because it was brought
to the Court in an improper manner. Page 69.
[L] 1722 Nov [21?]. Petition of Thomas Skinner for his [maintenance?] of Philip Petts, an orphan, being
brought irregularly to the Court is dismissed. P. 128
Jonathan, Martha, Mary and Darby Skinner (grandchildren). To Samuel Skinner (grandson) and his mother Elizabeth
Skinner (daughter). To Martha Pitt (grandaughter). To Sarah Pitt (granddaughter). To Ann Mitchel (may be Hannah,
her daughter). To my daughter Catherine Pitt (her daughter). To Elizabeth Riddlehurst (unknown relationship).
Executor: son Samuel Daniel. Witness: John King, Edward Richards, Joseph Skinner
6
1737, Aug p. 220 Will of Samuel Skinner Planter. Leg, Wife Elizabeth; son William, Daughter Loosee; Daughter
Elizabeth; Son Samuel Jr. when of age; Provision for unborn child. Dated Aug 1737. Recorded 16 Nov 1737. Bk.
1737/49 p.19 original will. Estate appraised by Samuel Gult, Alexander Kenedy, William Henry, Francis Middlehurst
[Riddlehurst?] 17 May 1738 bk. 1737/49 pg. 49
2. Samuel Skinner. He was born about 1686 and died during the summer of 17377 in Elizabeth City
County, VA. As his children were all under 21 when he died in 1737, he married Elizabeth Randolph?
probably between 1716 and 1720.
Some sources say that he first married Lucy Randolph. However, the 1728 will of a Lucy
Randolph, widow, names son-in-law Samuel Skinner as Executor, and mentions daughter Ann Carter
(presumably wife of Hurlsey Carteri) and grandchildren Lucy and Thomas Cook (son of Lucy Skinner and
M Cook?).
Elizabeth died in 1748/9.
Samuel’s children were all under age when he wrote his will in August 1737 which means they
were born after 1716. After the death of Elizabeth, the children were adopted by various individuals in
early 1749. William chose Hursley Carter as his guardian. The youngest children, Samuel and Sarah
Skinner, went to Francis Riddlehurst. Lucy and Elizabeth were to let the Court know their choice, but I
have not found a record indicating who they chose.
Samuel and Lucy had the following children [how do we know this?]
9. William Skinner. He was born perhaps around 1729.
10. Lucy Skinner. She was born perhaps around 1731. She married M Cook.
11. Elizabeth Skinner. She was born perhaps around 1733
Samuel and Elizabeth had the following children:
12. Samuel Skinner Jr. He was born perhaps around 1735.
13. Sarah. Assuming Sarah was the unborn child in Samuel’s will, she was born late 1737
or early 1738.
Sources:
--1735 Jan 2?. Ordered that the church wardens bind out Joseph [?] to Samuel Skinner. Elizabeth City
County, VA 1731-1747, p. 106.
--1737 Aug? 7. The Ejectione brought by Benjamin Robins plantiff. against Samuel Skinner, defendant,
dismissed, the defendant being dead. Elizabeth City County, VA, 1731-1747, p. 145.
--1737 Nov 16. William of Samuel Skinner, deceased, was proved by the oaths of George Morgan and John
Riddlehurst. Elizabeth City County VA 1731-1747, p. 154.
--1737 [?] Elizabeth Skinner made oath to the last will and testament of Samuel Skinner, deceased, and was
granted a certificate for obtaining probate. Elizabeth City County VA 1731-1747, p. 166.
--1738 May 17. The appointment of the estate of Samuel Skinner deceased being returned is ordered to be
recorded. Elizabeth City County VA 1731-1747, p. 174.
--1738 [?] The Ejectione brought by Benjamin Robins plaintiff against Elizabeth Skinner [and ? Skinner[
defendents, is continued. Elizabeth City County VA 1731-1747, p. 188.
--1748/9 May 2. On the motion of Samuel Sweny and William Westwood, security for Elizabeth Skinner,
executor of Samuel Skinner, deceased. Ordered that Thomas Whittledge give the said Sweny security or
surrender the estate of the said Elizabeth Skinner in his hands to the said Sweny and Westwood. Elizabeth
City County Order Book 1747-1755, p.85.
3. Joseph Skinner. He was born by 1694 and died in 1725. He married Mrs. Hannah Bright, widow of
Robert Bright8 by 1725. No children were named in his will.
7
1737, Aug p. 220 Will of Samuel Skinner Planter. Leg, Wife Elizabeth; son William, Daughter Loosee; Daughter
Elizabeth; Son Samuel Jr. when of age; Provision for unborn child. Dated Aug 1737. Recorded 16 Nov 1737. Bk.
1737/49 p.19 original will. Estate appraised by Samuel Gult, Alexander Kenedy, William Henry, Francis Middlehurst
[Riddlehurst?] 17 May 1738 bk. 1737/49 pg. 49
OTHER RECORDS
--1748 May 3. John Bright and Thomas Wilson on Grand Jury. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 33.
--1780 May 19. Virginia Gazette (Clarkson & Davis), Richmond, May 19, 1780.
“ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY POUNDS REWARD. FOR taking up my negro fellow Peter. He is near
six feet high, and well made, rather of a yellowish complexion, Virginia born, and not above twenty-four or
twenty-five years of age, has lost all the toes on both feet with the frost. He once belonged to A. Hoges near
the Great Bridge, Norfolk county, and is well known thereabouts. He run away last May, and was the
greater part of the summer lurking about Hampton; he has since been seen in Nansemond county and North
Carolina, where he passed for a freeman. I will pay the above reward to any person who will deliver him to
me near Williamsburg, or to Mr. Francis Riddlehurst, Hampton, with all reasonable charges. FRANCIS
BRIGHT.” Reprint: Windley, vol. 1, p. 282. Also related to Francis Riddlehurst: Virginia Gazette (Dixon &
Hunter), Williamsburg, August 8, 1777. “WILLIAMSBURG, August 8, 1777. RUN away from the
Subscriber, in Amelia County, the 19th of last June, a large young Mulatto Fellow named SAM, of the
Indian Breed. I expect he is in James City County, as he has a Mother who lives there with one Mr. Francis
Riddlehurst. I will give THREE POUNDS to any Person who will take up the said Slave, and confine him
so that I get him again. DANIEL HARDAWAY.” Reprint: Windley, vol. 1, p. 186.
8
1722/23, 19 January. Robert Bright Will. Legacy wife Hannah. Execs: Wife. Dated 19 January, 1722/23. Book
1721/23, page 169.
--1725, 19 May. Hannah Skinner qualifies the will of her late husband, Robert Bright. Ord, Book 1723/29, page. 92.
Also Order Book #10 1721-23, p. 169-70.
4. Ann Skinner. She married Hursley Carter. Hursley Carter’s 1763 will names wife Ann, son Robert, son
William (not 14), daughter Elizabeth, son John, son Lemuel, son Hursley, with provision for unborn child.
Children of Ann and Hursley Carter?:
Robert
William, born about 1740
John
Lemuel
Hursley
Unborn child
OTHER RECORDS
--1793 Jan 4. Will. Legacies son Thomas, daughter Rosey. Executor Mark Hall. Witnesses Mark Hall, John
Been (sp?). Elizabeth City Bk 1787-1800 p. 114. Who is this Ann.
5. Jonathan Skinner.
He is referred to as Jonathan only in Ann Daniel’s 1715 will. He died after 1733, perhaps in the presumed
epidemic of 1737.
Sources (All of the sources for John Skinner are listed here even though some of these may belong to the
John Skinner who married Jane Smith or his son John):
6. Martha Skinner.
Sources:
--1747/8 Feb 2. Mark Powell vs. William Mallory. Dismissed. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 19.
[W] 1761 Dec 17. Will of Mark Powell. Legacy wife Martha with reversion of bequest to son William Powell;
reversion to his sister’s children; to sister Rebecca Weymouth’s sons, William and James Weymouth. Exs. Wife
Martha and William Weymouth. Recorded 4 May 1762. Wit. Samuel Roland, John Casey, Thomas Skinner. Security
for Martha Powell: William Read and Thomas Skinner. Book 1758-64, p. 320. Estate appraised by Samuel Roland,
Anthony Hawkins and Henry Humflet. 4 May 1762. Book 1758-64, p. 355.
POWELL RECORDS
Some of these may relate to this family.
--1747/8 Mar 1. Settlement of the estate of John Powell.
--1747/8 Mar 1. Ordered that Johnson Mallory pay Hannah Powell 9.7.1/2 due to her out of her father Mark Powell’s
estate. Is it possible that this is John rather than Mark? Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 26.
--1749 Jun 7. William ? agst Jane Powell. Dismissed. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p.95.
He lived in Hampton and kept an Ordinary, as had his father. There is no evidence that he was
married, but he is appears in several records with a Rachel Skinner who also kept an Ordinary.
Sources:
---1715 Oct 3. Daniel, Ann. Leg.-son Samuel, cattle at Thomas Skinner's plantation; to Ann, Jonathan,
Martha, Mary and Darby Skinner; to Samuel Skinner and his mother Elizabeth Skinner; to Martha Pitt (or
Pett); to Sarah Pitt; to Ann Mitchel; to my daughter Catherine Pitt; to Elizabeth Riddlehurst. Ex. son
Samuel Daniel. D. October 3, 1715. R. August 15, 1716. Wit: John King, Edward Richards, Joseph
Skinner. Book 1715-21, pg. 41.
--1718 Mar 25. Daniel, Samuel. Leg. --nephew Samuel Skinner; wife Jude all the tobacco left to her before
her marriage; sister Hannah Mitchell and her husband; to the child unborn of Hannah Mitchel; sister
Elizabeth Skinner; nephews Robert and Martha Taylor. Ex. brother-in-law John Mitchel. D. March 25,
1718. R. Feb. 19, 1718. Wit: Abraham Mitchel, Nicholas Parker, Jo. Wragg. Book 1715-1721, p. 165.
--1731 June 16. Darby Skinner member of Jury in case between Charles Jennings and John Allen. P. 4
--1731 July 2. Darby Skinner and John Skinner on jury in case between Robert Wil[?] and[?] Sheffield. P. 6
--1731 July 2. Darby Skinner and John Skinner on jury in case between Richard Nus[?] and M[?] A[?]. p. 7
--1731 July 2. Darby Skinner and John Skinner on jury in case between John Hollway and Andrew Giles.
P. 8
--1731 July 2. Darby Skinner, Rachel Skinner and William Copland have each of them an order for three
days attendance against John [Mitchell?] in the suit between him and [Moss?] Armistead. P. 8
--1732 June 22. In the action between Darby Skinner and Thomas? Goodman? Mentions Wm. Westwood?
And W. Jennings. Elizabeth City County Court Records 1731-1747, p. 29.
--1732 July 20. Action between Darby Skinner and [Gordon? Goodman?] dismissed. Elizabeth City
County, VA Order Book 1731-1747, p. 30.
--1732 August 16. Case between Darby Skinner and Thomas [Goodman?] ends with Skinner being
awarded 15 shillings. Elizabeth City County, VA Order Book 1731-1747, p. 32.
--1732 August 16. Member of a jury in the case between Francis? And John Hawkins. Elizabeth City
County, VA Order Book 1731-1747, p. 32.
--1732/3 Jan 2. The action upon the case between Darby Skinner and John [?] is continued. Elizabeth City
County, VA Order Book 1731-1747, p. 43. See also p. 51 (jury reached verdict?).
Sources on Rachel Skinner (on the chance that she may be related to Darby Skinner):
[L] 1731 July 2. Darby Skinner, Rachel Skinner and William Copland have each of them an order for three
days attendance against John [Mitchell?] in the suit between him and [Moss?] Armistead. P. 8
[L] 1737 Nov 23. To Rachel Skinner for attending Eliz Barber, 8 pounds. Page 157.
[L] 1738 Aug 16. Ordered that Rachel Skinner who keeps the ferry be summoned to answer complaint of
Samuel Sweny, her security, presumably that she is not keeping the ferry as required by law. Page 187. On
page 189 the complaint was dismissed.
[L] 1738 Nov 15. License is granted Rachel Skinner to keep an ordinary. P. 193.
[L] 1739 Nov 22. License is granted Rachel Skinner to keep an ordinary. P. 220.
[L] 1740 Nov 19. License is granted Rachel Skinner to keep an ordinary. P. 242.
GENERATION 3
9. William Skinner. He was born before 1716. A XXXX deed gives his wife as Susannah.
The 1748/9 guardianship record means that the William Skinner referred to therein must have been
born after 1727/8 so who does it belong to?
Sources:
--1748/9 Mar 7. William Skinner, orphan of Samuel Skinner, chose Hursley Carter as guardian. John
Jennings and John Cooper, bond. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 71.
--1765 Aug 23. William Skinner Sr and William Skinner [Jr] listed in a Poll for the Election of Burgesses
for the County of Elizabeth City.
--1781 Jan 19. Will of James Baker mentions land adjoining William Skinner. Robert Bright is executor.
--1786 Mar 13. Executer for will of Ann Wilson. John Wilson Sr.? witnesses and John Skinner, Jr.
appraises.Book 1787-1800. Problemantic. This probably belongs with John and Jane Skinner’s family line.
10. Lucy Skinner. She was born before 1716. She married M Cook*.
--1748/9 Mar 7. Lucy Skinner and Elizabeth Skinner, orphans of Samuel Skinner, deceased, to be
summoned to court to make their choice of guardian. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 71.
--1749/50 Mar 6. Ordered that Lucy Skinner pay Elizabeth Skinner 150 pounds of tobacco for 10 days
attendance as a witness in her suit of Duncan McCory. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p.
150. Perhaps relatedly at the same court: Upon petition of Duncan McCory against Thomas Wittledge that
the plaintiff recover against the defendant 1-8-2. And, Duncan McCory to pay Thomas Priest 250 pounds
--1748/9 Mar 7. Lucy Skinner and Elizabeth Skinner, orphans of Samuel Skinner, deceased, to be
summoned to court to make their choice of guardian. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 71.
--1749/50 Mar 6. Ordered that Lucy Skinner pay Elizabeth Skinner 150 pounds of tobacco for 10 days
attendance as a witness in her suit of Duncan McCory. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p.
150.
--1748/9 Mar 7.Francis Riddlehurst appointed guardian of Samuel Skinner and Sarah Skinner. Hursley
Carter and John Bright, security. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 71.
--1750 Aug 8. Francis Riddlehurst made oath on the account of the profits and disbursements of the estates
of Samuel Skinner and Sarah Skinner, orphans of Samuel Skinner, dec’d. Elizabeth City County Order
Book 1747-1755, p. 178.
--1750 Dec 4. Ordered that the church wardens bind out Samuel Skinner and Sarah Skinner, orphnas of
Samuel Skinner, dec’d, according to law. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 204.
--1787 Listed in the 1787 census 0-0-0-2-8
--1748/9 Mar 7.Francis Riddlehurst appointed guardian of Samuel Skinner and Sarah Skinner. Hursley
Carter and John Bright, security. Elizabeth City County Order Book 1747-1755, p. 71.
--1750 Aug 8. Francis Riddlehurst made oath on the account of the profits and disbursements of the estates
of Samuel Skinner and Sarah Skinner, orphans of Samuel Skinner, dec’d. Elizabeth City County Order
Book 1747-1755, p. 178.
i
Will of Hursley Carter dated 4 Feb 1763 names wife Ann Carter.