The Newtown bee., 1902-03-28

by engaging in business with J. E.
Durham; but the partnership lasted
only one month, Mr. Skidmore deciding
to accept a position as secretary and
treasurer of the Pacific Iron Works at
Bridgeport. The post entailed con-
siderable responsibility, as he was to
be the executive head of the enterprise,
and the offer was quite a compliment
to his ability. The times were unpro-
pitious, for of 40 stock companies
organized in that locality about that
date only two survived, but the Pacific
Iron Works was one of the fortunate
ones, continuing on its original plan
until 1861. The company then took a
contract for building the machinery
for the gunboat "Kanawha," the
amount involved being $4,000, which
so alarmed some of the stockholders
that number of changes were made
in the company, resulting finally in
the requirement by Mr. Skidmore of
the sole ownership of the business.
though rather by chance than by fore
sight. During the year 1861 Mr. Skid
more went to Washington in connec-
tion with the contract referred to: and
had an interview with the Secretary
of the Navy.
On the establishment of the Wheeler
y Wilson sewing machine shops at
Bridgeport, the Pacific Iron Works
gained additional contracts of a profit
able kind, and, later, Mr. Skidmore
devoted his attention to the manufac-
ture of stationary engines and boilers,
becoming the leader in that line Of
business in the world. He retained
the management of the works until
1884, employing from 100 to 100 men,
and in the meantime he took advantage
Of other. openings to turn an honest
penny or two. In January, 1870, he
made visit to Florida and other
Southern states, spending some time
in Tallahassee, New Orleans, Mobile
and Montgomery, and on his way home
he stopped in Washington, where the
tirst colored senator was then attract
ing attention. His trip through the
South had impressed Mr. Skidmore
with the possibilities of that region as
field for the judicious investment
of capital, and he at once began the
construction of the st Johns railroad,
leading from the St Johns river to St
Augustine, Fla, a distance of Is miles.
After five years he sold out his inter-
oct in ~ ~ 70 ic0 Of 1,Hr ~
profit. In 1880, having built some
steam fire engines for Galveston and
New Orleans, he went South with
them and spent two months. During
this time he invested heavily in real
estate in New Orleans at low prizes
and this investment yielded satisfac-
tory returns. Altogether his career
has been a remarkable one.
Notwithstanding his business cares
Mr. Skidmore was always great read
er, and he kept well informed upon
general topics. In politics he was q
lifelong Democrat, but during the
Civil war he gave his support to the
government in it's efforts to suppress!
the Rebellion. He never took an &C
tive part in local politics, although a
one time he served as member of tn
Bridgeport council, and was membe
of the State Legislature; also for sew
eral years was chief engineer of tn
fire department at Bridgeport. Fo
many years he has been leading sup
porter of Trinity Episcopal church
Mr. SkidmOre was member of the
o. o. F., and of Quepeack lodge, No.
F. & A. M, at New Haven.
Mr. and Mrs Skidmore had seve
children, viz. Stella A., wife of E. I
Beard, of Cambridge, Mass; julius w
hat block manufacturer in Bridge
port; PhilO Hurd, Jr., manager of th
Pacific Iron Works; A Abigail deceased
who married the late Henry T. Nicf
OILS, and had four children; William
who died at the age Of three year!
Eddie, who died at the age Of six; an
Herbert M, who died in 1885 at th
age of 22.
The funeral of Mr. Skidmore wa
largely attended on Monday mornin
at 10 O'Clock from Trinity church. Re
George T. Linsley, rector of the Churc
of the Good Shepherd, Hartford, off1c
ated. There was a beautiful display {
floral tributes from the children, gran'
children and friends, including vel
) fine set piece from employees of tt
, Pacific Iron Works at Bridgeport. TT
! choir rendered the two hymns, LEA
Kindly Light" and "Abide With Me
> The pail bearers were grandsOns of tt
I deceased, Preston Skidm0re, DR. H.
J., Nichols, Walter and PhilO Nichol
v The remains were taken to the IL.
train by Funeral Directors Prindle
= Morris, the burial following in tt
I Mountain Grove cemetery at Bridg
l. port.