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Lucinda Katherine "Kate" (Martin) Skinner was born on Nov. 6, 1868 in Preston County, WV, the daughter of James K. and Margaret (Minerd) Martin. 

In about 1890, at the age of 21, Katherine married 25-year-old Walter Herbert Skinner (1865-1931), the son of John and Dorothy Skinner of Harrison County.

The couple bore nine children -- among them Lota Belle Davis Valentine, Fred O. Skinner, John Skinner, Laura M. Skinner, James O. Skinner, Edward "Charles" Skinner, Gifford L. Skinner and William W. Skinner, and one who died young.

Early in marriage, circa 1900, Walter and Kate resided in Preston County. Just before the birth of their fifth child, James, they moved across the state line to Deer Park, Garrett County, MD. There, Walter was employed as a section foreman with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In about 1905, they relocated again, to the Northview section of Clarksburg, Harrison County.

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the Skinners lived in the Coal District of Clarksburg, with Walter working as a laborer in a grocery store.

By 1920, Walter was earning a living in "labor - public work," while his sons John and Charles were employed in a glass factory (likely the Hazel Atlas Co. plant), and son Gifford, age 16, as a teamster hauling stone.

In the early 1930s, they lived with their married daughter Lottie Valentine and her family at 1506 Eighteenth Street in Clarksburg. They were members of the Northview United Brethren Church.

Suffering from gallstones, Walter was rushed to a local hospital and died just a week after his 66th birthday, on March 5, 1931. The Clarksburg Exponent said that "His condition had been critical for several hours prior to his death" and added that he was a "lifelong resident of this county, having been born and reared in the vicinity of Clarksburg and was well known in this section."

Katherine outlived her husband by four years. After enduring disease of her heart, she died on May 30, 1935, at the age of 65. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Greenlawn Cemetery in Clarksburg, following a funeral at the Northview United Brethren Church. Her daughter "Mrs. A.O. Valentine" was the informant on her death certificate. 

~ Daughter Lota Belle (Skinner) Davis Valentine ~

Daughter Lota Belle Skinner (1891-1965) was born on Sept. 22, 1891 in or near Deer Park, Garrett County, MD. She was married twice. 

At the age of 18, she first wed 30-year-old Asia Gilbert Davis (1879- ? ), son of George H. and Mary Florence Davis. The ceremony was held on Oct. 26, 1909 in the parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Adamston, WV. 

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the newlyweds lived on Coal Street near Clarksburg. Boarding in their home were Asia's widowed father George and single sister Bertha A. Davis. Asia's occupation that year was as a streetcar company laborer. 

The marriage ended sometime between 1910 and 1914.

By 1914, Lota married her second husband was Arthur Ammon Valentine (May 15, 1887-1943), son of Thomas and Jane (Spurgeon) Valentine of near Auburn, Gilmer County, WV

They produced at least two sons -- Harry H. Valentine and Homer Wayne Valentine. 

When the federal census was taken in 1920, the family lived on Bryan Avenue in Clarksburg, where Arthur was a laborer at a glass plant. 

The 1930 census shows the Valentines living at 1506 North 18th Street in Clarksburg, next door to Lota's married brother and sister in law, James and Minnie Skinner. Arthur's employment that year was as a machinist in a glass plant. They remained at this address for the rest of their lives and belonged to the Church of God at Northview.

Arthur was diagnosed with heart disease and died within a few weeks at the age of 56 on Nov. 19, 1943.

Lota lived for another nearly 22 years as a widow.

Suffering from hardening of the arteries beginning in about 1957, Lota was stricken with a massive stroke on her right side. She passed away at the age of 73, in Clarksburg, on June 19, 1965. She was interred in Clarksburg's Greenlawn Cemetery. Harry Valentine of Clarksburg was the informant on her death certificate. At her death, reported the Clarksburg Exponent, she was survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Son Harry H. Valentine (1914- ? ) was born in 1914. He married Lulu Mae Howell (1914- ? ), a native of Maud, Wetzel County, WV. Their wedding was held on July 1, 1935, in Clarksburg. The couple bore at least two daughters, Winona Medina and Linda M. Thorp Greathouse. The federal census enumeration of 1940 shows the family 2203 Gould Avenue in Clarksburg, with Harry working a "hot end" in a glass works and Lula as a decorator for a glass company. Harry's uncles Fred Skinner and Gifford Skinner and their families lived nearby. They remained on Gould Avenue for many years.

• Granddaughter Winona Valentine ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was joined in matrimony with Angel Medina Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Angel and Mar Medina Sr.. The family lived in Clarksburg. The couple produced one known daughter, Holly Lynn Loring. Circa 2010, the Medinas' residence was in Spelter.

Great-granddaughter Holly Lynn Medina (1970-2010) was born on Dec. 17, 1970 in Clarksburg and grew up in Spelter. She married Gary A. Loring ( ? - ? ), and they established a home in Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV. They were the parents of Daryl John Loring, who sadly died in childhood. Holly received a bachelor's degree in nursing in 1995 from West Virginia University. She then obtained her license as a registered nurse and worked for Monongalia General Hospital, United Hospital Center and HealthSouth in Morgantown. When time allowed, Holly loved to make jewelry and enjoy cats. Grief blanketed the family when Holly died at home at the age of 39 on Oct. 19, 2010.

• Granddaughter Linda M. Valentine ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was united in marriage with Kenneth E. Thorp ( ? - ? ), son of Oscar and Ruby Thorp. Their four children were Jeffrey Alan Thorp, David Thorp, Jason Thorp and Lori Rhoades. The couple divorced, and Linda married a second time to (?) Greathouse. She dwelled in Adamston, WV in 2010.

Great-grandson Jeffrey Alan Thorp (1965-2016) was born on Jan. 31, 1965 in Clarksburg. After graduation from high school in 1983, he served in the U.S. Air Force for six years. He eventually was employed for the Sun Valley Public Service District in Clarksburg. He married Carol Conner ( ? - ? ). They bore two sons, Jeffrey A. Thorp Jr. and Daniel Thorp. They made a home in Reynoldsville near Clarksburg. In his free time, Jeffrey was active in the outdoorsman program of the Appalachian Rangers and was a member of Horizons Church in Lost Creek. Sadly, Jeffrey was admitted to United Hospital Center where he died at the age of 51 on Oct. 26, 2016. Said an obituary in the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram, he was "a tender-hearted family man who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He was a talented craftsman and carpenter who loved music and animals and had a charming and keen sense of humor." Burial was in Florah Hills Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Rita Robinson officiating at the funeral service.

Great-grandson David Thorp

Great-grandson Jason Thorp

Great-granddaughter Lori Thorp married Michael Rhoades. They are believed to be the parents of Hannah Rhoades and Ben Rhoades.

Son Homer Wayne Valentine (1919-1975) was born on Aug. 15, 1919, in Doddridge County, WV. At the age of 26, he married 19-year-old Mary Lee Robinson (July 29, 1926-2010), daughter of Orace and Opal (Pitts) Robinson, of Robey Run, Harrison County. Their marriage took place on Dec. 16, 1945, in Clarksburg. Their five children were Beverly Duran Valentine, Debra White, Shelia Batson, Ladonna Hardman and Arthur "Mickey" Valentine. The couple resided at 1506 North 18th Street in Clarksburg circa 1965 and were members of the First Church of God in North View. Sadly, Homer died on Oct. 31, 1975 at the age of 56. Mary Lee survived him by a remarkable 35 years and for a decade was employed by Clarksburg Casket Company. Toward the end, she suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. She passed into eternity at the age of 83 on May 25, 2010. Rev. Sherman Goodwin officiated at the funeral service, with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery. The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram printed an obituary.

• Granddaughter Beverly Duran Valentine was deceased by 2010.

• Granddaughter Debra Valentine married David White. Their home in 2010 was in Salem, VA.

• Granddaughter Shelia Valentine wedded Lee Batson and lived in Clarksburg. Two children died young, Troy David Batson and Tracy Michelle Batson.

• Granddaughter Ladonna Valentine made her home in Clarksburg. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Hardman.

• Grandson Arthur "Mickey" Valentine dwelled in Clarksburg in 2010.

~ Son Fred Oscar Skinner ~

Son Fred Oscar Skinner (1892-1981) was born on April 20, 1892 or 1893.

In about 1916, when he would have been 24, Fred married 18-year-old Minnie Pearl Wolfe (1898-1972).

They produced at least four children -- Leona V. Skinner, Wilbert Eugene "Jack" Skinner, Everett Lee Skinner and Shirley M. Skinner.

When the federal census was taken in 1930, the family lived at 2209 Gould Avenue in Clarksburg, next to Fred's younger brother Gifford and family. Fred's occupation was listed as clerk in a grocery store, and Gifford's as a driver for the store. They remained at this address for decades.

In 1940, census records show Fred employed as a shipping clerk at a glass company.

Sadly, Minnie died on Jan. 26, 1972. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Clarksburg.

Now widowed, Fred survived her by nine years. He joined her in death on Jan. 12, 1981.

Daughter Leona V. Skinner (1917-1981) was born on Nov. 25, 1917. She may not have married but at the age of 19 gave birth to Kenneth G. Skinner. She also may have been the mother of Shirley (?). At the age of 63, she died on March 23, 1981. She rests in Greenlawn Cemetery.

• Grandson Kenneth G. Skinner (1936-2006) was born on July 20, 1936 in Clarksburg. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Navy where he spent five years. Upon his discharge, he became employed by B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron, OH and served as a union treasurer. In 1962, at the age of about 25 or 26, he wedded Gina ( ? - ? ), daughter of Esther (?). Their marriage endured for 44 years. The couple produced three children -- Michelle Skinner, Michael Skinner and Maureen Skinner. At some point he became self-employed as a photographer, specializing in weddings, with a darkroom in their home. He enjoyed playing cards in his free time. Kenneth passed away in Akron on Aug. 8, 2006, with Rev. Scott Campbell officiating at the funeral service and burial in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. An obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal said that "On Aug. 8, 2006, the chair on the front porch sat empty under a beautiful moon and starry sky. Ken became one with the vast splendor that he marveled at each night. Though he passed on suddenly, all are thankful that his last days and hours were happy and typical of the way he lived life.... His voyage from this world reunited him with mother, Leona; dear sister, Shirley; Grandpa Fred and Grandma Minnie."

Son Wilbert Eugene "Jack" Skinner (1922-1998) -- also spelled "Wilbur" -- was born on Aug. 13, 1922 in Clarksburg. He married Ruth Elaine Matson (1926- ? ), daughter of James and Maxie (Cox) Matson. The marriage took place on May 9, 1947, in Clarksburg. Wilbert passed away in Clarksburg on May 25, 1998.

• Grandson James Ray Skinner (1950- ? ) was born in 1950. On Dec. 6, 1969, at the age of 19, he married Tondalaya Garcia ( ? - ? ), daughter of Emelio and Kathleen (Fisher) Garcia.

Son Everett Lee Skinner (1928- ? ) was born in 1928. Nothing more is known except that he was deceased by 2005.

Daughter Shirley M. Skinner (1936-2005) was born on Dec. 5, 1936 in Clarksburg. As with her sister Leona, she never married and maintained a residence at 2209 Gould Avenue in Clarksburg. For 39 years, she worked for a local telephone company and retired from Verizon. She belonged to the Telephone Pioneers organization and was a member of North View United Methodist Church. Shirley's family considered her a "loving daughter, sister, aunt." Shirley passed into eternity at home on April 27, 2005. Her remains are in eternal repose in Greenlawn Masonic Cemetery, with Rev. Kenneth Kendall officiating.

~ Son John Flavy Skinner ~

Son John Flavy Skinner (1893-1967) was born on June 27, 1893 (or 1895) in Terra Alta, Preston County, WV. 

During World War I, John served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was involved with the Battle of the Meuse-Argonne.

He married Merle Cosby Brake (1898- ? ), daughter of Lloyd and Phoebe E. Brake, on April 16, 1921, in Clarksburg. She was a native of Upshur County, WV. He was age 27, and she 23, at the time of marriage.

They had two children -- Gerald "Jerry" Skinner and Virginia Gillespie.

John and Merle initially made their home in Terra Alta. Later, they moved to Clarksburg, Harrison County, and occupied a home at 1920 West Virginia Avenue.

John was a longtime employee of the Hazel Atlas glass company, a division of Continental Can Company, in Clarksburg. They were Methodists. John was a member of the Meuse-Argonne Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Stonewall Barracks of the Veterans of World War I and the Disabled American Veterans.

He died at the age of 71, in St. Marys Hospital in Clarksburg, on April 2, 1967, after suffering from cancer of the esophagus. He was laid to rest in the Floral Hills Cemetery in Clarksburg. His obituary in the Clarksburg Exponent erroneously gave his mother's maiden name as "Miller" instead of "Martin."

Son Gerald "Jerry" Skinner lived at home in 1967. He was deceased by 2010.

Daughter Virginia E. Skinner (1922-2010) was born on Feb. 18, 1922 in Clarksburg and was a 1940 graduate of Victory High School. On July 12, 1941, when she was age 19, she married James Paul Gillespie ( ? -1989). The seven children born to this union were James M. Gillespie, Susan Rulong, Jo Bitner, Nancy Engle, Debbie Carmichael, Robin Reynolds and Kimberly Desserich. They resided for many years in Warren, Trumbull County, OH, and they were Methodists. Said an obituary, Virginia "worked at the Washing Well Laundromat in Warren as a laundry attendant and was a homemaker all of her married life." Sadly, James died in 1989. Virginia was a member of SCOPE and enjoyed traveling, reading, bowling and bingo. Virginia died in Warren's Gillette Nursing Home at the age of 88 on Dec. 14, 2010. Interment was in Crown Hill Burial Park in Vienna, Trumbull County. She was survived by 17 grandchildren, 31, great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

• Grandson James M. Gillespie married Kathy and has lived in Howland, Trumbull County, OH.

• Granddaughter Susan Gillespie wedded Colin Rulong. They dwelled in 2010 in Warren.

• Granddaughter Jo Gillespie was united in matrimony with Wayne Bitner and moved to Holt, MI.

• Granddaughter Nancy Gillespie was joined in wedlock with (?) Engle.

• Granddaughter Debbie Gillespie married Robert Carmichael. circa 2010, they resided in Warren.

• Granddaughter Robin Gillespie wedded Dennis Reynolds. They relocated to Sheridan, CA.

• Granddaughter Kimberly Gillespie was united in wedlock with Daniel Desserich. They made a home in 2010 in Cookeville, TN.

~ Daughter Laura "May" (Skinner) Osborne ~

The Osbornes, 1950. Bottom, Chuck, May, Donna. Top: Bill, Bill, Ed, Ed, Lode and Oakey. Courtesy Donna (Osborne) Neukum.

Daughter Laura May Skinner (1897-1953) was born on March 8, 1896 (or 1897), in Preston County, WV. 

At the age of 19, she married 22-year-old Okey Isaac Osborne (1894-1960), also spelled "Oakey," son of Isaac "Mac" and Florence (Tyson) Osborne (also spelled "Osburn"), on March 5, 1916, in Clarksburg. Rev. H.R. Hess officiated.

Okey was a native of either Harrison or Lewis County (records differ) and lived in Clarksburg at the time of marriage.

The couple together produced a brood of eight children -- Kathryn Hawkins, O'Della Helen Belotta Vessecchia, Ruth Summers, Willa Jacquez Cartmell, Harley Gene Osborne, William "Bill" Osborne, Charles Edward "Chuck" Osborne and Argille Osborne. Another child, believed to have been son Cecil E. Osborne, was born in 1919.

In 1920, they dwelled in Clarksburg, Harrison County; in 1935, they lived in Fairview, Marion County, WV; in 1940 in Clay, Monongalia County, WV; and in 1953 in Baxter, Marion County, WV. 

Federal census records for 1920 show that Okie was employed as a coal miner in Clarksburg. By that time, three of their children had been born.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, Okie was employed as a machine man for Koppers Co.'s coal operations near Morgantown, WV.

Laura died of a heart attack at the age of 57, in Fairview, on Oct. 30, 1953. She was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Fairview. A brief obituary in the Fairmont West Virginian said that Rev. E.J. Johnson would officiate at her burial, to be held at the Wesley Methodist Church of Fairview.

Okey outlived Laura by seven years. In 1955, at the age of 62, he married again, to 42-year-old Freda Ammons (1912- ? ), daughter of Isaac and Mertie Ammons. He was 20 years older than his second bride. They lived along Route 2 in Fairview. 

He passed away on Sept. 21, 1960, of a heart attack, at home. The funeral was held at the family church, led by Rev. Harlan Dague. At his death, said the West Virginian, Okey was survived by 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Daughter Ruth Osborne (1917- ? ) was born in about 1917. At the age of 19, on June 2, 1936, she married 30-year-old Gerald F. Summers (1906- ? ), a native of Marion County and the son of Ola Summers. Because she was legally underage, Ruth's father had to provide his consent to the union. Rev. E.V. Swan, of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fairview, officiated. The couple asked that their marriage not be publicized. The known children born to this marriage were Sue Carroll Summers and Danny Joe Summers. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the couple dwelled in Paw Paw, Marion County, with Gerald earning a living as a "trackman," and his widowed mother living in the household. In 1960, they resided in Fairview when she was named in her father's Morgantown Post obituary.

• Granddaughter Sue Carroll Summers (1937- ? ) was born in about 1937 in Paw Paw, Marion County.

• Grandson Danny Joe Summers (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 in Paw Paw, Marion County.

Daughter Kathryn V. Osborne (1919-1992) was born on Dec. 27, 1919 at Clarksburg. On June 10, 1941, at age 21, she married 23-year-old William Ervin Hawkins, Jr. (1917-2005), son of William Ervin and Sarah Edna (Stretchberry) Hopkins Sr. of Fairmont. Rev. Foster L. Jones officiated in the ceremony held at Meadowdale, WV. They lived in Fairmont. Kathyn passed away at the age of 72 on Dec. 1, 1992. Her remains rest in eternal repose in Fairmont's Grandview Memorial Gardens. William survived his wife by a baker's dozen years. On Nov. 14, 2005, he died at the age of 88.

Son Charles Edward Osborne (1921-2000) was born on May 12, 1921 in Clarksburg, Harrison County. He grew up in the coal mining patch town of Fairview near Mannington. During the Great Depression, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Then in about 1939, at age 18, he obtained a job in the local mine. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the U.S. Army. When he was 24 years of age, Charles was united in holy matrimony with 18-year-old Philippi native Violet Pearl Golden (Feb. 13, 1929-2014), daughter of Dewey Glenn and Esta Mary Ellen Golden. Rev. Henry R. High officiated at the wedding ceremony held on Dec. 27, 1946, at Fairmont. On their marriage license, the couple requested that the news of their nuptials not be published. They went on to produce three daughters -- Donna Lynn Wise Neukum, Nila Diane Freshley Ellis and Sandra Goettsch. The Osbornes made their residence in 1960 in Akron, Stark County, OH, with William earning a living as a chef and owner of Randolph House Buffet. At Thanksgiving 1968, Charles learned of a coal mine explosion in his native West Virginia that had killed 78 miners, generating national news on television and in Time and Life magazines. He was quoted the Akron Beacon Journal, saying "It hit me -- heck, these kids aren't gonna have any Christmas." He then led a campaign to collect toys for the victims' children and money for their widows to pay utility bills. Said the Beacon Journal, "The reaction was overwhelming. Armloads of toys and gifts and canned foods began puring in. The word spread like wildfire. Office girls, lab workers, rubber workers and businessmen as far away as Barberton and Akron began sending in donations ranging from $3 to $50." Companies offering to transport the goods included a Cleveland dog food business, a trucking company; and truck drivers in Rootstown and Atwater. Other collection sites were set up at First National Bank in Ravenna and at the Baptist Church in Akron. Charles himself is thought to have helped drive the material to West Virginia in mid-December in time for the holiday. Little did he know that two of his distant cousins had been lost in the accident, Hartsel Lee Mayle (of the family of Nancy Catherine [Kennedy] Mayle) and William D. Sheme (of the family of Emily Jane [Minerd] Mayle). In 1970, their home was at 1538 State Route 44 in Randolph, Portage County, OH. Later, they relocated to Texas, settling in Dallas County. Charles passed away at the age of 79 on June 29, 2000 in Richardson, Dallas County. Violet survived her husband by more than 14 years. She was carried away by the Angel of Death at the age of 85 on Dec. 22, 2014, just three days before Christmas. Her remains were interred in Dallas' Restland Memorial Park.

• Granddaughter Donna Lynn Osborne ( ? -living) grew up in Randolph, Portage County. She relocated to Dallas, TX in 1980. In 1993, she married Mike Neukum ( ? -living). She was an independent consultant in areas of meeting and event planning and travel. She then spent 13 years as a distinguished lecturer program manager with the Society of Petroleum Engineers. After becoming a Christian, she felt led to the mission field and over the years has led teams to Balashov, Russia, with a focus on children's ministry and combating human trafficking and child abuse and abandonment. She serves on the board of directors of Humanlity, a non-profit organization with a mission to "emancipate and empower victims of poverty and children at risk through compassionate care and sustainable economic and educational development. In her role with Humanlity, Donna has visited sites in Manila and Bogo, Philippines.

Above: Tim Freshley in the Sebring-winning #19 Crosley Hotshot which he restored. Below: the original #19 in the winner's circle, and press coverage in Motorsport magazine, April 1951. Vintage image Crosley Automobile Club, Palm Bay, FL

• Granddaughter Nila Diane Osborne ( ? -living) was born on (?). In 1970, she married Timothy Wayne Freshley ( ? - ? ), son of Kenneth Freshley of Hartville, OH, in nuptials held at Atwater Church of Christ near Akron. Together, they produced a family of two children, Melissa Marie Morrison and Michael Wayne Freshley. The couple eventually divorced. Later, Nila wedded Paul Ellis ( ? - ? ). Nila graciously has shared significant material for this biography.
  
  Timothy helped save a vintage race car from oblivion -- the Crosley Hot Shot #19 which won the very first Sebring endurance race in Florida in 1950. Today’s 12-hour Sebring race is world-renowned for speed and endurance, and USA Today readers twice have voted it the top motorsports event in North America. Considered by experts as “a stunning, as raced, restoration,” Timothy completed his work in his garage in Randolph, OH. He brought the finished #19 back to Sebring for display in the Gallery of Legends. See more on our February 2021 "Photo of the Month."

• Granddaughter Sandra Mae Osborne ( ? - ? ) wedded Nick Goettsch ( ? - ? ). They are the parents of Sara Goettsch.

Son William Harvey "Bill" Osborne (1923-1994) was born on Dec. 17, 1923 at Clarksburg, Harrison County. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. After completing his military service, he returned home and married Betty Michael (Oct. 17, 1921-2009), daughter of Ray and Ortalo Michael, when he was age 23 and she 21. The ceremony took place on Sept. 2, 1945, at Fairview, overseen by Rev. E.E. Smith. Betty was a native of Rivesville, Marion County. The Osbornes had three sons -- William Osborne, Edward Osborne and Gary Osborne. They lived in 1960 in Akron, OH and then for 11 years in Barberton. Betty was employed by Barberton Citizens Hospital. At some point they retired to Florida. William died there at the age of 70 on Oct. 19, 1994. Burial was in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Sumter County. Betty outlived him by 15 years. Death swept her away on March 5, 2009 at the age of 87. An obituary appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal.

• Grandson William Osborne was united in matrimony with Virginia. They are the parents of Rodney Osborne, Randy Osborne and Richard Osborne.

• Grandson Edward Osborne

• Grandson Gary Osborne was deceased by 2014.

Son Argil Dell Osborne (1928- ? ) was born in about 1928. He moved to Ohio and in 1951 lived at 227 West Thornton Street in Akron. He was detained by police a few days before Christmas 1951 when they saw him "lurch across the thoroughfare" in the city and appear to be hurt. When he saw officers approaching, he began to run and "executed a perfect swan dive into the frigid water" of the Ohio Canal," said the Akron Beacon Journal. He was taken to a local hospital and questioned by police before being released. Then in October 1952, allegedly living in the Portage Hotel, he was arrested for assault and battery and sentenced to time in the local workhouse "to serve out time for the fine he didn't pay," said the Beacon Journal. He and James Wesley Johnson committed robbery at the Uniontown Savings and Loan Association in Canton, OH in 1954, making away with about $1,800. When they went into a bar and ordered beer, and flashed a large wad of cash, they were reported and captured. Their photographs were top-headline news in the Massillon Evening Independent with stories printed all over the state.

Daughter O'Della Helen Osborne (1930-1978) was born on Jan. 13, 1930 in Marion County, WV. Evidence suggests that she was married twice. Her first spouse was (?) Belotta ( ? - ? ), also spelled "Billotti." She made her home in 1960 in Fairmont with that name. She appears to have married a second time to Anthony "Chuck" Vessecchia Jr. (March 10, 1926-2009), son of Anthony and Agnes Mary (Blumetto) Vessecchia, Sr. The couple bore children, believed to have been Toni Marie Kisner, Nancy Pitt Melton and Brenda Ann Abel. Sadly, at the age of 48, O'Della died on Oct. 2, 1978 in Morgantown. Burial was in Fairmont's Mount Carmel Cemetery. Anthony survived her by more than three decades. He succumbed to death on March 10, 2009. Inscribed on their grave marker are the words from the popular Christian hymn, "How great Thou art."

• Great-granddaugther Toni Marie Vessecchia married (?) Kisner. The couple divorced.

• Great-granddaughter Nancy Pitt Vessecchia wedded (?) Melton

• Great-granddaughter Brenda Ann Vessecchia was joined in wedlock with (?) Abel.

Son Harley Gene Osborne (1932-1984) was born on Jan. 3, 1932 at Grant Town, WV. At the age of 20, he wed 22-year-old Deloris Barker (1930- :? ), daughter of Henry and Bertha (Lancaster) Barker of Morgantown. Rev. C.E. Brandt, of the Central Methodist Church, officiated at the wedding, held on May 27, 1950 at Fairmont. Harley eventually moved to New Mexico and was there in 1960. Harley passed away in Albuquerque in June 1984 at the age of 52.

Daughter Willa I. Osborne (1933-2001) was born on March 12, 1933. She was married twice. Her first husband was Henry Jacquez Sr. ( ? -1966), son of Stella Jacquez of Fairmont, Marion County. The couple produced five children -- Henry Jacquez, Frank Jacquez, Brian Jacquez, Linda Hill and Laura Engelhart. During World War II, Henry had served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre. In 1960, their home was in Opal Court in Blue Ash near Cincinnati, OH. Tragedy and grief unxpectedly cascaded over the family on Feb. 5, 1966 when the 37-year-old Henry was killed in a two-car crash on Interstate 75. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that "Both vehicles were in the center lane and southbound when the [Max J.] Palm car hit the rear of Jacquez'." A requiem high mass was held at St. Saviour Church in Rossmoyne, followed by interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The other driver was convicted of second degree manslaughter with a two-year probation and one-year revocation of driving rights. Eventually Willa married again, to Earl Eugene "Gene" Cartmell (Dec. 30, 1930-2018), son of Earl M. and Wilma L. Cartmell of Jackson County, IN. They produced one son, John Cartmell. Willa resided for many years in Miamiville and Loveland, Clermont County, OH. She passed away on Jan. 6, 2001. During the 2000s, a Henry Jacquez Invitational 5k run has been sponsored by Moeller High School. Willa's second husband outlived her by almost 18 years. He died in Cincinnati on Dec. 2, 2018, at the age of 88.

• Grandson Henry Jacquez Jr. married Betsy. Their offspring are Christina Jacquez, Mark Jacquez and Eric Jacquez.

• Grandson Frank Jacquez worked as a landscaper in the mid-1970s. In about 1976, he wedded Beverly Sue White ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Bethel, near Cincinnati, and bore three known daughters, Nicola Jacquez, Beverly Jacquez and Farrah Jacquez. Their daughter Farrah, as a Yeagher Scholar, received a bachelor's degree with highest honors from Marshall University and then in 2001 a master's degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that she was then going to pursue a doctorate at Vanderbilt University.

• Grandson Brian Jacquez (1956-2004) was born on May 7, 1956. He was the father of a son, Jeffrey Jacquez. He was a parishioner of St. Saviour Church in Cincinnati. Sadly, he died at the age of 44 on Jan. 5, 2004.

• Granddaughter Linda K. Jacquez ( ? - ? ) was born in (?) and grew up in Cincinnati. On Aug. 26, 1978, in nuptials held at St. Gertrude Church in Madeira, OH, she wedded David Hill ( ? - ? ), son of George R. Hill of Norwood, OH. They produced two children, Nicholas Hill and Ashley Hill. The couple divorced.

• Granddaughter Laura Jacquez married James Engelhart. The children born to this union are Cody Engelhart and Kaitlyn Engelhart.

• Grandson John Cartmell was united in wedlock with Becky. They are the parents of Olivia Cartmell and (?) Cartmell.

~ Son James "Otha" Skinner ~

Son James "Otha" Skinner (1899- ? ) was born in July 1899 in Garrett County, MD. 

He married Minnie Letha Monroe ( ? - ? ), daughter of Earl and Carrie Monroe, on Nov. 26, 1919, in Clarksburg. 

They had two known children -- Robert Randal Skinner and Avis Lenora Robinson. 

When the federal census was taken in 1930, the Skinners lived next door to Otha's married sister and brother in law, Lota and Arthur Valentine, on North 18th Street in Clarksburg. James worked that year as a coal mine laborer.  Circa 1965-1967, his home was on Richards Avenue in Clarksburg.

Otha's fate is not known.

Son Robert Randal Skinner (1921- ? ) was born on Dec. 3, 1921, in Clarksburg. He married Mary Jane Fincham (1920- ? ), daughter of Ernest and Magdalene (Heater) Fincham, and a native of Glen Falls, Harrison County. The date of the nuptials was July 21, 1941. At the time of marriage, Robert resided at 1802 Richards Avenue in Clarksburg.

Daughter Avis Skinner (1925- ? ) was born on March 13, 1925, in Clarksburg. On Aug. 7, 1948, when she was age 23, she married 21-year-old Paul Dennis Robinson ( ? - ? ), son of Fred Paul and Wilma Agnes (Shreves) Robinson. Paul was a native of Hepzibah, Harrison County. 

~ Son Edward "Charles" Skinner ~

Son Edward "Charles" Skinner (1902- ? ) was born in 1902. He was deceased by 1965. Nothing more is known.

~ Son Gifford Lee "Dick" Skinner ~

Son Gifford Lee "Dick" Skinner (1905-1989) was born on May 10, 1904.

He married Nina Joy (or "Nilda" or "Mira") Edgar (June 27, 1904-1985), on Oct. 17, 1923, in Clarksburg. She was a native of Cleveland, Webster County, WV and the daughter of Richard Cyrus Edgar and Martha Gay "Mattie" (Springer) Edgar.

The Skinners produced three known children -- Thelma "Frances" Skinner, Richard Lee Skinner and Joann Marie Skinner. 

At the birth of their daughter Thelma in 1924, Gifford listed his occupation as "merchant" on the birth certificate, and when son Richard was born in 1927, he gave it as "grocery clerk."

When the federal census was taken in 1930, the family lived on 2211 Gould Avenue, next to Gifford's elder brother Fred and family. His occupation was listed as driver for a grocery store, and Fred's as a clerk for the store. They remained at the Gould address for decades.

In 1939, they endured the untimely death of their eight-year-old daughter Joann due to incurable diabetes.

The U.S. Census of 1940 shows Gifford working as a grocery store clerk.

Sadly, Nina passed away at the age of 81 on Oct. 10, 1985.

Gifford died in 1989 in Clarksburg. He rests in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Daughter Thelma "Frances" Skinner (1924- ? ) was born on July 13, 1924 in Clarksburg.

Son Richard Lee Skinner (1927- ? ) was born on April 25, 1927 in Clarksburg.

Daughter Joann Marie Skinner (1931-1939) was born on Jan. 20, 1931 in Clarksburg. In childhood, she was stricken with diabetes and acute pancreatitis. She was admitted to Union Protestant Hospital, where she succumbed at the age of eight years, 10 months and seven days on Nov. 27, 1939. Her remains were lowered into rest in Greenlawn Cemetery.

~ Son William Herbert Skinner ~

Son William Herbert Skinner (1908-1965) was born in 1908 in Harrison County. 

He married Beatrice Lenora Brown (1909- ? ), daughter of James W. Brown, on April 2, 1927. He was age 19, and she 18, at the time of marriage, and parents of both had to provide written consent. At the time, he lived at 2209 Gould Avenue in Clarksburg, and she at 1404 14th Street, also in Clarksburg. 

They had two known children -- Luella Rhea Skinner and James W. Skinner. 

Their home was at 2209 Gould Avenue. In 1927, William labored as a coal miner. The 1930 census of Clarksburg lists this family living in the same Gould Avenue neighborhood as William's brothers Fred and Oscar. That year, he was employed as a glass factory worker. 

In about 1946, the Skinners relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where he obtained work as a carpenter and joined the Carpenters Local Union 1089. Beatrice was employed for 13 years as executive housekeeper at Arizona State Hospital and for 10 years at Arizona Lullaby Guild.

Their address in the 1950s and '60s was 9030 Vista Bonita.

Sadly, William died at the age of 57 on on Oct. 24, 1965. Rev. Robert Braden, of the Central Heights Baptist Church, officiated at the funeral, with burial following in Resthaven Memorial Park in Glendale. An obituary was printed in the Arizona Republic.

Beatrice survived as a widow for another dozen years and made a home at 9030 North Second Drive. She was admitted to the John C. Lincoln Hospital where she succumbd at the age of 67 on May 27, 1977.

Daughter Luella Rhea Skinner (1927-2003) was born on Nov. 4 or 11, 1927 in West Virginia and moved to Arizona with her parents. As a young woman, she graduated from the School of Nursing at St. Mary's Hospital. She was a member of the Sunnyslope Business and Professional Women's Clubs. On June 6, 1953, in nuptials held in Central Heights Baptist Church, the 25-year-old Luella was united in holy matrimony with Daniel L. Kirby ( ? - ? ), son of R.O. Holden. By 1965, she was married to (?) Schroeder and had relocated to Moss Beach, CA. Later in life, she returned to Phoenix, and died there on March 16, 2003. A short obituary was printed in the Arizona Republic.

Son James W. Skinner (1930-1994) was born in 1930 in Clarksburg. He relocated to Arizona with his family and by 1953 was married. His children included Debra Farris and Randall Chambers. He is known to have been in Phoenix in 1965, where he worked as a carpenter. In the 1990s, he lived in Pinetop. He died at the age of 64 on April 23, 1994. An obituary in the Arizona Republic noted that his survivors included six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.