Frank Newell Skinner, vice president and assistant manager of the Coffeyville Furniture Company, owes his successful position to the fact that he has steadily pursued one line of endeavor since leaving school as a boy.
He was born at Clathe, Kansas, June 2, 1872, a son of James L. and Elizabeth (Newell) Skinner, who moved to Coffeyville about two years after his birth and are numbered among the old settlers of that city. In the public schools of Coffeyville Frank N. Skinner obtained his early education, and after leaving school at the age of eighteen began clerking in a grocery store. In December, 1894, he became identified with the undertaking business and he now has his office at 17 West Tenth Street, Coffeyville.
Mr. Skinner and family reside at 607 Willow Street, having built his home there in 1898. He is a public spirited citizen, served four years on the school board, is a republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and is widely known in fraternal circles. His affiliations are with Keystons Lodge No. 102 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Coffeyville Chapter No. 89, Royal Arch Masons, Lochinvar Commandery No. 52 Knights Templar, and Chapter No. 112 of the Order of Eastern Star. He also belongs to Coffeyville Camp No. 665, Modern Woodmen of America; Star Lodge No. 279, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 775 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Lodge No. 305, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Tent No. 1193 Loyal Order of Moose; Anti-Horse Thief Association; the Order of Owls; Improved Order of Red Men No. 58; Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
December 2, 1896, at Coffeyville Mr. Skinner married Miss Mabel Cass, daughter of Hardin and Hattie Cass. Her father, now deceased, was a grain merehant at Coffeyville, and her mother lives at 605 Willow Street in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have four children: Vera A., born September 18, 1898, and now in the Coffeyville High School; Kathleen, born October 31, 1902; Keith who died at the age of three days; and Frank N. Jr., born July 22, 1914.