Thomas Skillen
This son of William Skillen is one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Loramie Township. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., October 23, 1815, and was one of the two children which composed the family of William Skillen when he moved to Ohio in 1816. His childhood was thus passed in Loramie Township, to which his parents moved in 1817, or when he was about two years of age. In 1839 he went to Arkansas, where he spent one year, and returned to this township. He married Miss Susanna Julian August 12, 1840. She was a daughter of Stephen and Margery Julian, of this township. Soon after his marriage he returned to Arkansas, where he lived until 1843, when he moved his family back, and settled on a farm in this township. He was then actively engaged in farming until 1851, when he partially retired. He then purchased a few acres of land on the canal bank, in the east half of the southeast quarter of section 4, on which he erected a dwelling, to which he moved his family in 1852. During the same season he erected a store-room, and engaged in merchandising for some years later. In 1854 he erected a grain warehouse on the canal bank, and engaged in the grain trade until 1876. Since that date he has given little attention to his store, so that it may be said he is practically leading a retired life. The farm is now conducted by his son Theodore. Mrs. Skillen became the mother of two children, both of whom are now dead, while her own death occurred April 3, 1848. Mr. Skillen was married some time later to Miss Amanda, daughter of Jacob R. and Rachel Griffis, who was born in this township in 1828. One child, Theodore, was the result of this union. The mother died September 7, 1853. In August, 1854, Mr. Skillen married again. This marriage being to Margaret Blackwood, who was born in Pennsylvania February 27, 1816. She is still living, and enjoying the retirement from active life which Mr. Skillen sought some years ago.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883