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From: "Steven Bird" <>
Subject: MARTIN SKINNER of Braintree, in-law of Thomas Bird, the apothecary
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2004 15:59:31 -0500


Greetings listers,

I have transcribed the will of Thomas BIRD "the apothecary" of Braintree,
Essex, who died in 1661. His will was made out in 1659.

In the will, he identifies his wife as "Francis" and then identifies his
brother-in-law as Martin
"SKINER." Bird apparently bought three tenements in Coggeshall from Martin
Skinner, but the year of the purchase is not stated.

So far, I have found several references to a Martin SKINNER in Braintree on
SEAX:

The earliest reference is found in 1578 (Michaelmas) where a Martin Skynner
served on a Jury, along with William Skynner, William Lyngwood and others.

Next is an allegation in 1582 by Martin SKYNNER and Rachel, his wife,
against a servant, Thomas YELDMAN. Apparently, Rachel lost a baby (while
pregnant) because of an assault by the servant. The complaint was witnessed
by John Goodday the elder, Joseph Man, John Lyngwood, Jeffrey Lyngwood, and
William Skynner. Edward Venyall, an apprentice of Martin Skynner, is also
mentioned.

On 10 Dec 1608, George EDES of Braintree, Laborer, is indicted for trespass
in the close of Martin SKYNNER, Sr. (sic) at Braintree. This suggests that
there was also a Martin Skynner, Jr. by this time.

A petition regarding a serious case of spouse abuse by John Cooper of
Braintree, signed in 1617, was signed by Samuel Collins, Mark Mott, William
Lyngwood, MARTIN SKINNER, and Thomas Wylbore "elder."

In "Genealogical Gleanings in England," William Skinner's will is
transcribed (he was m. to Margery Trotter). In his will of 1616 he refers
to Martin Skinner as his "cousin" and mentions Martin's son William.

In "Early Essex Town Meetings" (Emmison) a Martin SKYNNER (also appearing as
SKINER and SKINNER) appears almost continuously from Sept 6, 1619 to 5 Aug
1622 in the records of the "Braintree 4 & 20". He then abruptly disappears
from these records after this date. (Perhaps Martin Sr. died around this
time?) On Sept 2, 1622, the very next 4 & 20 meeting date, there is a major
rotation of seating (seniority), perhaps as a direct result of Martin
Skinner Sr's death?

On 13 Jan 1625, a petition of the inhabitants of Braintree for a "house of
correction" (jail) contains the name of Martin SKYNNER, along with John
"Skynner" and Richard "Skinner" and the other usual 4 & 20 "suspects" --
Collins, Mott, Hawkins etc. (It is known that John and Richard Skinner were
brothers, but note the different spellings within the same document.)

3 Mar 1629 - SEAX mentions a theft by John Allen "of Bocking" of "2 rails"
out of a "hopground" belonging to Martin Skynner. (The will of Thomas BIRD
the apothecary mentions two hopgrounds that belong to him.)

Finally, on 3 Dec 1645, a will is probated in Dedham for John MARSH, miller
(6 Jul 1642 was the date of the will itself). Witnesses were William
Arwaker, MARTIN SKYNNER, and James Arwaker.

So there would appear to be at least two Martin Skinners, Sr. and Jr., and
perhaps three. Since I am already a descendant of William Skinner and
Margery Trotter through their daughter Anne Skinner who married John
Talcott, this new connection of the Skinners to the Bird family is of more
than passing interest. Although it is clear from the will that Thomas Bird
the apothecary is not my ancestor, it is also becoming more clear that he is
probably a close relative of some sort.

Is anyone working on the SKINNER family in Braintree, Essex?

Thanks in advance,

Steve Bird


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