SKELTON, William - Jr. - Putnam

William SKELTON, Jr., was born on the home farm in Washington township and at the age of twenty-two years married Nancy TRESSNER, whose father, Hiram TRESSNER, an early settler of the County, died at about the time the wedding was solemnized. His widow subsequently removed to Coles County, Illinois, and thence to Missouri, where her death soon afterwards occurred. After his marriage William SKELTON took possession of the homestead which he operated for several years, later deeding a part pf the place to his sons, by whom it is still owned. In connection with farming, he did a thriving business for a number of years threshing grain, in which capacity he became widely known throughout the greater part of Putnam County. He early united with the Primitive Baptist church, in which he was made an elder while still a young man and later entered the ministry, to which holy calling he has devoted much of his time during the part of twenty-five years. For a period of fifteen years he served the congregation at Otter Creek and at a part of that time ministered to the Providence and Eel River churches, holding membership with the last named. He has also visited a number of other churches from time to time and is recognized as one of the strong influential preachers of his denomination in the state of Indiana. Mrs. SKELTON bore her husband thirteen children and departed this life on the 15th May, 1906. Of the children seven are living at the present time, namely, George W., who owns a part of the home farm; David J., of this review; Clarence E., one of Putnam County's most successful teachers; Candace J., who married John MACE, who lives in Washington township; Lemuel O., also a resident of Washington township and a farmer by occupation; Paul lives near Brazil in Clay County, this state, and Isaac, who farms part of the family homestead.