Marteny Skidmore

As printed in 1910

Few men of Nodaway county were as widely and favorably known as the late Marteny Skidmore, of Monroe township, and after whom the beautiful little city of Skidmore was named. He was one of the strong and influential citizens whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section of the state and for years his name was synonymous for all that constituted honorable and upright manhood. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, combined with everyday common sense, were among his chief characteristics, and while advancing individual success he also largely promoted the material and moral welfare of his community.

Marteny Skidmore was born May 25, 1825, in Randolph county, Virginia, and his parents were both also natives of Randolph county, the father having been born in 1787 and the mother in 1795. They were married in 1816, and the father's death occurred in 1863. having been preceded to the silent land several years by his wife, whose death occurred in 1849.

Marteny Skidmore was reared in his native county and secured his education in the common schools. In 1840 he started out in life on his own account, boating on the Ohio river, which he continued until 1848, when he entered the employ of William Jessup, of Hamilton county, Ohio, who took a personal interest in the young man and encouraged him. In 1852 Mr. Skidmore caught the western fever and associated himself with P. D. Clark. They fitted out a train of traders at Leavenworth, Kansas, and proceeded westward, leaving the old trail at Carson City, Nevada, and making a new one to Walker’s river. At the end of his trip Mr. Skidmore disposed of his wagons and teams and for a time devoted himself to the freight ing business, which at that time was a profitable, though dangerous, occupation. In the winter of 1852 Mr. Skidmore returned to Ohio, by way of San Francisco and New York, and resumed farming operations, which he conducted with considerable success until 1864. when he came to Nodaway

I I 12 county, Missouri, and bought seven hundred acres of land in what is now Monroe township, for which he paid ten dollars an acre, the greater part of the land being unimproved. He here took up the life of a western farmer and eventually added to his original purchase, until at one time he owned about a thousand acres of good land, all improved, though some of this was afterwards sold. He was energetic and a good manager of his business affairs and rapidly made money in his new home. In 1877 he Hiilt a fine, large residence just north of where Skidmore now stands, and this home is still one of the finest in this section of the county. In 1880 Mr. Skidmore platted the town which now bears his name, the plat being located just south of his home, and in July of that year the first lots were sold. From this inception the growth of the town has been steady, and today it is one of the solid and prosperous towns of Nodaway county.

Mr. Skidmore, while devoted to his own business affairs, was not unmindful of the best interests of the entire community, and he gave encouragement to every movement which promised to benefit the people generally. He was known far and near for his sterling integrity, his traits of char after and keen business acumen, and his business advice and counsel were considered invaluable by his associates. On October to, 1891, Mr. Skidmore died in St. Joseph’s Hospital, at St. Joseph, Missouri, after under going a surgical operation. He was an appreciative and honored member of Skidmore Lodge. No. 511, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and at his death that body passed suitable resolutions, in which the following words were used: “He was ever ready to proffer the hand and the voice of sympathy and the deed of charity to the needy and distressed of the fraternity; an honored member of this society, whose utmost endeavors were exerted for its welfare and prosperity; a friend and companion, who was dear to us all; a citizen, whose upright and noble life was a standard of emulation to his fellows." In his death the entire community felt a sense of personal loss, and to those who knew him his memory is still treasurer highly.

Mr. Skidmore was married twice. In June, 1845, lie carried Mary I. Jessup, the daughter of William Jessup. Her death occurred in March, 1858. By this union were born three sons, namely: George, born in 1850, died in October, 1872; Samuel, born in 1854. died January 12, 1884: William J., born September 1, 1857. The latter came to Missouri with his parents and completed his education at Amity College, College Springs, Iowa. On July 19, 1899, while on a trip to Pike’s Peak, he met. at the “timber line,” Miss Margaret Haines, of Philadelphia, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, this acquaintance eventually resulting in their marriage on

March 20, 1900. Both of Mrs. Skidmore's parents are dead, though she has five brothers and two sisters living, the brothers being the owners and incorporators of an elevator construction company. To Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore has been born a son, William Jessup, Jr., his natal day having been May 26, 1904. Willirm J. Skidmore has always made his home on a farm, to the operation of which he has devoted his chief attention, though he has at the same time been interested in other enterprises to some extent. When on a jury at Maryville, a few years ago, he was asked the question, “What is your occupation?” To his reply that he had several, he was asked what they were, and he replied, “I am a banker for honor, run a newspaper for fun, and raise pumpkins for profit!” Being a man of comparatively independent means, Mr. Skidmore has been enabled to indulge himself to some extent. Most every man has a fad of one kind or another, and in the case of Mr. Skidmore it is to travel. He has visited every state in the Union excepting Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and the New England states, and through this means and habits of keen observation he has gained a val able fund of general knowledge which cannot be obtained through text books or other reading. At one time Mr. Skidmore was given the opportunity of naming what is now Monroe township. It was in his youth, and at the time referred to Nat Sisson, of Maryville, was stopping temporarily at his father's house, being engaged in superintending the erection of a bridge across the river west of Skidmore. The organization of the new township had been practically decided upon and Mr. Sisson asked William J. to suggest a name. The latter had it in his mind to suggest the name of his then sweetheart, which was also the name of one of the governors of Missouri, but fear of ridicule caused him to hesitate, and finally Mr. Sisson proposed the name of Monroe, several other townships having been named after Presidents. Politically, Mr. Skidmore was reared a Democrat, but in his mind was at an early age inculcated the laudable idea that honesty and honor are above politics or party lines, and this has been the guiding thought in his life.

On June 30, 1858, Marteny Skidmore married Rebecca Ann Adams, who was born in New Jersey on November 16, 1836, the second child and eldest daughter of Nathan and Mary (Lippencott) Adams. Her father was born March 10, 1809, and died in May, 1852, while her mother, who was born October 14, 1812, died on January 16, 1907. In 1842 Rebecca AcPms moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, with her parents and there she was reared and married. Her father was an old-time blacksmith, a master of his trade, who could do all kinds of expert work in his line. To Air. and Mrs. Skid-

1 1 14 more were born six children, who are briefly mentioned as follows: ( 1 )

Angeline. who was born November 14, 1859, died on September 30, 1865. (2) Emma, who was born August 17, 1861, died on October 2, 1865. (3)

Flora, who was born February 18, 1863. died on October 3, 1865. These three children died within four days of diphtheria. (4) James, who was born April 3, 1866. died on December 2, 1899. As a boy, James was quiet, studious and thoughtful; as a man, charitable, considerate, public-spirited and the soul of honor. In March, 1899. he went to Alaska and remained there several months, thoroughly enjoying the unique experiences. At the time of his death he and his brother William J. were editors and publishers of the Skidmore Standard. (5) Ella, born on June 2, 1870, became the wife of Milton Sewell, living at the west edge of Skidmore, and they have two children, Leona Skidmore and Eleanor. (6) Jennie, born on January 4, 1872, died July 7, 1882.

The home life of Marteny Skidmore was ideal. In it were centered his hopes and affections, and he was a kind and faithful husband and a loving: and affectionate father. His children found in him a faithful friend and a wise counsellor as well as a sympathetic companion. He was largehearted and public-spirited and withheld his support from no movement that tended to advance the interests of the community, materially, educationally or morally- He enjoyed a wide acquaintance, and in his death the county suffered a distinct and irreparable loss.

As printed in Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.