Willis W. Skinner

  General Notes:

See general notes on his brother, Abram Skinner, for 1870 census facts.

William W. "Willis" Skinner 41st Virginia Infantry, Company I, Private Skinner was born about 1837 the son of Abram and Armesia Griffen Skinner. He was a bachelor and farmer in June 1861 when he enlisted. At the Battle of the Crater, he was wounded in the hand by a minie ball. He had returned to service and was present at the Appomattox Surrender. His wife was Sarah E. Skinner (b.1847 d.1927) Skinner died in 1906 and both are buried in Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery.
Willis is listed above as a child of Abram and Armesia Skinner; however, the census records appear to indicate otherwise and perhaps he is a brother of Abram Skinner ... see general notes on Abram Skinner for 1840 census facts where others are living with Abram and wife and are too old to be children of Abram and Armesia and their marriage date is several years after Willis' birth date ... also, Georgianna Skinner is often believed to be a child of Abram and Armesia Skinner and the same can be said of her.


The 1900 Federal Census for Cypress Magisterial District, Nansemond Co., VA, District 24, page 66B, dated June 26, 1900 records W. W. Skinner (April 1839 - VA/VA/VA) and his wife Sarah E. Skinner (May 1860 - VA/VA/VA) with their children Jos. Sidney Skinner (June 1878), Sullen Skinner (March 1881), Mary Skinner (Jan 1882), Preston (Nov 1883), Willis L. (Oct 1884), Lucy Skinner (Feb 1888), and Henderson Skinner (Oct 1879). Willis and Sarah have been married for 28 years and have had 8 children 7 of whom are still living. WWI Draft Registration card for Henderson Skinner records his date of birth as October 10, 1887.

The 1910 Federal Census for Cypress Magisterial District, Nansemond Co., VA, District 9, page 72B, dated May 28, 1910 records the widow Sarah E. Skinner (61 - VA/VA/VA) with her children J. S. Skinner (34), Preston Skinner (26), Mary E. Skinner (24), and Henderson Skinner (21). Sarah has had 8 children 7 of whom are still living.

Willis married Sarah E. circa 1872 in Nansemond Co., VA. (Sarah E. was born in May 1850 in Virginia, died in 1927 in Nansemond Co., VA and was buried in Cypress Chapel Christian Church Cemetery, Nansemond Co., VA.)