Military History in Paulding County

By: Mark Holtsberry

Frederick Albert Skinner was born on January 6, 1896, in Harrison Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. He was the son of Clarence Sylvester Skinner, born March 24, 1870, in North Star, Darke County, Ohio, and Effie Sarah (Wahl) Skinner, born October 14, 1872, in Erie County, Ohio. The couple was married on May 21, 1892, in Paulding, Ohio.

By 1900, they were living in Harrison Township, Paulding County, where Clarence worked as a farmer. Together, he and Effie raised five children: Myrtle Esta (born July 28, 1892), Emmett Clarence (born January 21, 1894), Frederick Albert (born January 6, 1896), Goldie Blanche (born November 2, 1897), and Ira Edward (born November 25, 1899).

By 1910, the Skinner family remained in Harrison Township, still farming. The family had grown with the addition of Lewis William (born January 16, 1902), Lloyd Clifford (born January 27, 1904), Ruth Ann (born March 18, 1907), and Russell E. (born September 29, 1910). The older children attended school or helped on the farm.

On June 5, 1917, Frederick registered for the World War I draft. He was described as medium height, slender build, with blue eyes and light brown hair. He was single and listed his occupation as farming.

On July 22, 1918, Frederick was sent to Camp Sherman for training with the 5th Company, 2nd Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade. However, he became ill and was transferred to the Detachment Medical Department at the Base Hospital in Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he remained until October 7, 1918. Sadly, Frederick passed away from pneumonia. His father, Clarence, was notified of his death.

Frederick’s body was brought back home to Payne, Ohio, where he was laid to rest in Wiltsie Cemetery—Section 3, Lot 5, Grave 5.