Jump to content

Charles Skelton

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charles Skelton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 2nd district
In office
March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855
Preceded byWilliam A. Newell
Succeeded byGeorge R. Robbins
Personal details
Born(1806-04-19)April 19, 1806
Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
DiedMay 20, 1879(1879-05-20) (aged 73)
Trenton, New Jersey
Resting placeCity Cemetery in Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Political partyDemocratic
Professionpolitician

Charles Skelton (April 19, 1806 – May 20, 1879) was an American Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1851 to 1855.

Biography

[edit]

Skelton was born in Buckingham Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1806. He moved to Trenton, New Jersey about 1829, where he attended the country schools and Trenton Academy.

Early career

[edit]

He engaged in mercantile pursuits, and moved to Philadelphia in 1835. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia in 1838 and commenced the practice of his profession in that city. He returned to Trenton in 1841, and was superintendent of the Trenton Public Schools in 1848.

Congress

[edit]

He was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-second and Thirty-third Congresses, serving in office from March 4, 1851 to March 3, 1855.

Later career and death

[edit]

After leaving Congress, he was a member of the common council from 1873-1875. He died in Trenton on May 20, 1879, and was interred in City Cemetery in Hamilton Square, New Jersey.

Family history

[edit]

Skelton's uncle Abraham Doan was a member of the infamous Doan Outlaws, and was executed for his role as a Tory during the American Revolution. Skelton's grandfather Israel Doan was imprisoned for aiding the gang and probably died in jail.[1]

[edit]
  • United States Congress. "Charles Skelton (id: S000464)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  • Charles Skelton at The Political Graveyard
  • Charles Skelton at Find a Grave

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Doane Family: I. Deacon John Doane, of Plymouth ; II. Doctor John Done, of Maryland, and Their Descendants, with Notes Upon English Families of the Name, Volume I" by The Doane Family Association of America
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 2nd congressional district

March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1855
Succeeded by