Even though the cover is addressed to "Mr." S.W. Skinner, chances are the addressee was Dr. S(cott) W. Skinner of Le Roy, NY (1844-1927), a brief biography follows showing not only his medical and Masonic record, but also quite a record of service in the Civil War:
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Skinner, Dr. Scott W., was born in Monroe county, N. Y., July 16, 1844, was educated in the public schools, and when the war broke out enlisted in Co. G, 78th N. Y. Infantry, serving from December 16, 1861, to April 5, 1865; was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and in many of the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac. He was captured September 17, 1862, at the battle of Antietam, and five hours later made his escape. He was captured a second time at Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, on July 21, 1864, and three hours later made his escape.
At the close of the war he resumed his medical studies and was graduated from the Medical College of Philadelphia, March 4, 1868. He immediately began practice in Rochester, N. Y. Later he removed to Richmond, Va., and in 1874 came to Le Roy, where he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.
He was the first president of the first board of education in 1890, and was again elected in August, 1896; has held the office of coroner for some time; was health officer for two years; was made president of the Republican Club in 1888, which office be has held continuously since. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and was master of Olive Branch Lodge No. 39 three years; high priest of Le Roy Chapter No. 183 seven years in succession, and a member of Batavia Commandery No. 34 He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, in which he was regent seven years, and president of the Empire Order during its existence. He was president of the pension examining board of surgeons under President Harrison and holds the same position under President McKinley. In 1888 he organized a local military company and has been its commander ever since.
In 1868 Dr. Skinner married Ellen L. Smith, of Wayne county, N. Y.; they have three sons: Scott W., Jr., a graduate of Union College and the Albany Law School, now practicing in Waterford, N. Y.; Merton R, a graduate of Hahnneman Medical College of Philadelphia in 1898, now in the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital, and R. Lee, a graduate of Union College, now in business in Le Roy.
