Skinner Square

Private First Class Fred F. Skinner served in the Massachusetts National Guard during World War I. He was born on October 31st, 1894 in Salem. Prior to serving, he worked as a shoe worker and lived at 19 Osgood Street. Private Skinner initially enlisted on April 27th, 1914 to Company H, 8th Infantry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, where he served on the Mexican Border. He officially reported for duty from the National Guard Reserve on July 25th, 1917 and mustered on August 1st, 1917. He was later transferred on August 25th, 1917 to Company H, 2nd Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard (Company H, 104th Infantry, 26th Division). He arrived overseas on October 4th, 1917.

Tragically, he was killed in action during an attack on Haumont Wood on October 16th, 1918. His remains are buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne, France. He was the son of Frank and Mary (Jacobs) Skinner and brother to Richard, Ethel, and Joseph.

His square is located at the corner of Church and St. Peter Streets, dedicated in his honor.