Andrew H. Skidmore

HON. ANDREW H. SKIDMORE. The maternal ancestors of Mr. Skidmore were hardy Highlanders of Scotland, and those on the paternal side were of Scotch-Irish descent. At the beginning of his life, he was by nature well equipped for battling with the obstacles which one meets in the struggle for success, and his patience, vigilance and perseverance have enabled him, by his own efforts, to succeed in every undertaking in which he has engaged.

Judge Skidmore was born in Randolph County Virginia, now West Virginia, February 14, 1855. While he was yet a boy, his parents move to Illinois, where the family lived on a farm. He obtained such mental training as the country schools at that time afforded. After teaching one year, he spent 1874 and 1875 in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and on September 14, 1876, he was admitted to the bar, before the Supreme Court of Illinois at Ottawa. Believing that the boundless West afforded better opportunities for advancement in the profession of the law, he came to Kansas, and on November 14, 1876, opened an office in Columbus. Here he continued in the practice of the law uninterruptedly until he was elected to the bench of the Eleventh Judicial District of Kansas, in 1894. He was reelected in 1898. After he had served eight years on the bench, he resumed his general practice, in 1893.

While occupying the position of judge of the Eleventh Judicial District. Judge Skidmore was fair in his rulings, considerate toward the less fortunate, fearless in the discharge of his duty, and yet prudent in the application of the law. His course was noted for the energy he displayed, his economical manner of conducting the business of the court, the general fairness he extended to all, and his clear, concise decisions in disposing of the legal questions which came before him. For the first six years of his service, the district was large, including Cherokee, Labette and Montgomery counties. Naturally there were many closely contested cases, and as a matter of course, many appeals to the Supreme Court. The records of that court show fewer reversals of the decisions of Judge Skidmore than of those of any other judge in the State of Kansas, for a similar period and in a like number of appeals. While he always presided over the court with becoming dignity, he was constantly courteous to attorneys, and kindly his treatment of every class of litigants that sought the benefits of a just administration of the law. The result was that when he retired from the bench, he did so with the good will of the members of the bar, and of all his constituents, regardless of party affiliation.

In 1902 Judge Skidmore erected a fine, brick office building, on the northwest corner of the square, in Columbus, where, as senior member of the firm of Skidmore & Walker, he now has his office, and is engaged in a lucrative practice. He stands in the front rank of his profession, being a safe counsellor, careful in the preparation of the cases put into his hands, expert in trial proceedings, and always loyal to his clients. He is a logical reasoner and an able advocate.

Judge Skidmore resides with his family in the suburbs of Columbus, where they have a beautiful, well appointed home, and where they live in the enjoyment of the fruits of his well directed efforts in life.

The subject of this sketch married Alice M. Allen, who was born in Wisconsin, and accompanied her father, the late Gilbert Allen, to Cherokee County, in 1875. He was engaged in the coal business, and was also the owner of a large body of land. His death took place in 1902, at the age of 84 years. Four children have been born to Judge Skidmore and his wife, namely: Mrs. Daisy A. Dillard, of Cherokee; Etta May, wife of James C. Broadley, cashier of the Bank of Weir City; Andrew Allen, who is attending school; and Hazel B. who died, aged four years.

Politically, Judge Skidmore is an active Republican. He has been chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and has taken a prominent part in public affairs for many years. Fraternally he is a Mason and Knight Templar, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Modern Woodmen of America.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Mathew Clark, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 11/21/1996.