Mark Skinner

Mark T. Skinner (September 13, 1813 – September 16, 1887) was an American politician, attorney, and philanthropist from Vermont. The son of a Vermont politician and judge, Skinner decided to follow his father into the legal profession. He moved west to Chicago, Illinois, and was named City Attorney for Chicago and United States Attorney for the Illinois District. In 1846, Skinner was elected to a term in the Illinois House of Representatives. During the Civil War, during which he lost his only son, Skinner served on the United States Sanitary Commission and oversaw a similar organization in Chicago. After retiring from law and politics, he managed real estate and focused on charitable endeavors. Biography Mark T. Skinner was born in Manchester, Vermont, on September 13, 1813. His father was Richard Skinner, at the time a member of the United States House of Representatives and the future Governor of Vermont. Skinner attended the Pittsfield Academy, studying under Chester Dewey. He was accepted to the University of Vermont in 1830 and graduated three years later. Skinner followed his father's profession and studied law in Saratoga Springs, New York, under Esek Cowen and Nicholas Hill. He also attended the New Haven Law School for a year, studying under David Daggett and Samuel J. Hitchcock. Although he considered joining Hill as a partner, Skinner instead headed west to Chicago, Illinois. He was immediately admitted to the bar and started a practice, partnering with George A. O. Beaumont. In 1839, Skinner was elected City Attorney for Chicago. In 1844 President John Tyler nominated Skinner to be United States Attorney for the District of Illinois. Tyler reappointed Skinner in February 1845. When James K. Polk succeeded Tyler in March, Isaac N. Arnold challenged Skinner for the appointment. After extended debate, Arnold and Skinner agreed to defer to a third candidate, David L. Gregg.