LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson, Vol. 3, p.238 (from the Infobases
LDS Family History CD, 1996 edition)
Skinner, George, Bishop of the Graham Ward (St. Joseph Stake), Graham county,
Arizona, was born July 25, 1852, at Bristol, Glocestershire, England, the
son of John Skinner and Jane Smith. He emigrated to America with his parents
in 1856, crossing the Atlantic in the ship "Columbus," and arriving at Castle
Gardens Jan. 1, 1857. He resided in New York state until June, 1868, with
his father, working on a farm. In (1868) he traveled on water and by railroad
and teams to Laramie, Wyoming, whence he traveled in Capt. Seeley's ox train
as far as Weber canyon, where he worked for some time on the Union Pacific
Railroad. In February, 1869, he went to Cache valley, where he found employment
with Charles O. Card, who baptized him May 15, 1869. In December, following,
he was ordained a Priest by Christian J. Larsen, and on March 7, 1870, he
was ordained an Elder by Geo. L. Farrell. He received his blessings in the
Endowment House, Salt Lake City, May 2, 1870, married Miss Mary Elizabeth
Stratton Feb. 17, 1873, and located with [p.239] his young wife at Logan.
In October, 1874, he moved to Price, near St, George, Southern Utah, where
he worked in the United Order until late in March, 1875, when he located
temporarily at Mt. Trumbull, working at the sawmill in getting out lumber
for the St. George Temple. After residing a short time in St. George he moved
back to Logan in September, 1875. In February, 1876, he left Logan, together
with others, for Arizona, arriving on the Little Colorado river in April
of that year. He commenced labor at what was known as Obed Camp. In the summer
he returned to Logan, where he engaged in hauling logs from the river to
help build the Logan tabernacle, in order to earn means with which to return
to Arizona. He left Logan with his family in November, 1876, and after stopping
a short time at St. George, he continued the journey southward, building
roads en route, and arrived at Obed, Arizona, May 1, 1877. Here he worked
in the United Order until the fall of 1877, when the camp was broken up on
account of chills and fever, all the families going to other settlements.
Bro. Skinner then located at Brigham City, Arizona, where he lived in the
United Order until December, 1880, when he left for the Gila valley, locating
at Graham in the latter part of January, 1881. Here he worked to build up
a new home and soon (May 27, 1883) became superintendent of the Ward Sabbath
school. He was ordained a Seventy March 21, 1886, by John M. Moody, and filled
a mission to the Northern States and Canada in 1890-1891. In July, 1892,
he was appointed presiding Elder of the Graham branch, and in November, 1892,
he was elected a representative to the Territorial legislature of Arizona.
In 1894 he was elected for another term. He has also served two sessions
on the Territorial Board of Equalization. In 1896-97 he again served in the
Arizona legislature. He was ordained a High Priest and Bishop Feb. 8, 1898
by Apostle John Henry Smith. His wife, Mary Elizabeth Stratton, died March
1, 1908, after bearing her husband ten children, namely, George William,
born Jan. 20, 1874 (died Oct. 31, 1875 ); Moroni, born Feb. 22, 1876; Mary
Jane, born Oct. 28, 1878; Rose Elizabeth, born April 9, 1881; Alice, born
August 15, 1883; Francis Marion, born Feb. 16, 1886; Joseph Frederick, born
Sept. 26, 1889; Eliza Emily born Feb. 16, 1893; Esther born March 2, 1896;
and Wilmerth, born Feb. 28, 1899. In 1913 (June 17th) Bishop Skinner married
Miss Martha Matlock. Bishop Skinner is a farmer and stockraiser by avocation
and has taken an active part in many public enterprises in Arizona and elsewhere.
