John was possibly the son of William Skinner Sr. and Margarie Trotter, born c.1590 in Braintree, Co. Essex, England. He is also thought to be the son of Benjamin Skinner of Braintree, Co. Essex, born c. 1609.
John came to New England in the "Susan and Ellen", arriving at Boston on April 11, 1638.(family lore, still looking for documented proof) He later joined with Rev. Thomas Hooker, and was one of the original proprietors of Hartford, CT. He had 22 acres in the division of upland east of the river in 1640. He was Juror in 1639.
According to A Digest of the Early Conn. Probate Records, Vol. 1, p. 150 (p. 32 in the original records), "Skinner, John, Windsor, Invt. 90-16-00 taken 23 Oct. 1651.
The children:
Mary 18 yrs.
Ann 16 yrs.
John 14 yrs.
Joseph 12 yrs.
Richard 8 yrs
John's name is on the Founders monument on the South Face side the Ancient Burying Ground, Hartford, Connecticut