Captain John McGregor Skinner - "The American Connection"
Born in Perth Amboy, in the State of New Jersey 1760. His father Courtlandt Skinner was the last Attorney General for the State of New Jersey.
Captain Skinner (Circa 1799) Captain Skinner (Circa 1830)
When the American War of Independence broke out in 1776, John’s father formed a militia army (Skinner Greens) to support King George 111. John aged 16 years joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman. At the end of the war with the Skinner family having been on the loosing side left the now,new United States of America some of his family moved to Canada. John along with his mother and father returned to Bristol England.
In 1799 John was given the post of Senior Captain of the Mail Packet Station (Port) in Holyhead, where he stayed up until his tragic death in 1832, washed overboard close to the South Stack lighthouse. He was a generous benefactor to the town, feeding numerous poor people every day; from his kitchens in Stanley House situated in the old market square,close to the Millennium Cross.
A number of artifacts are on display that were the personal property of John, a silver snuff box, two sets of specially made cutlery John having lost his right arm during the Independence War, used a combination knife and fork. One is of excellent quality made in Dublin Ireland from 95% silver. The other is much cruder and was used by the captain when aboard his ship. There is also a fine oil painting of John surrounded by his friend and towns people painted just before his untimely death. Audit
accounts of monies donated by many Lords and Ladies, local gentry and
towns folk for the construction of a memorial obelisk that overlooks
the inner harbour, known locally as "Skinner's Monument".
Captain Skinner can be seen seated on his favorite hunter "Sir Harry" Center of picture
Captain Skinners home as it is today