Kenneth Skinner
Champion roller speed skater from the late nineteenth century
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenneth A. Skinner (1861 – 25 July 1932) was a champion roller speed skater in the late nineteenth century.
| |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Born | 1861 |
| Died | July 25, 1932 (aged 70–71) |
| Height | 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm) |
| Weight | 140 lb (64 kg) |
Spouse | Adelaide Cushman |
| Sport | |
| Sport | roller speed skating |
Life
Skinner was born in 1861[1] in Nova Scotia and came to the United States at the age of 17.[2] He married actress Adelaide Cushman in 1888.[2] He died at Pondville State Hospital in Massachusetts in 1932.[2]
Career
Skinner was considered the American champion speed skater in 1884,[3] although this was before the sport was standardized by any governing body so definitive championships are hard to determine.[4]
According to fellow skater Bright Star, Skinner was the inventor of ball bearing wheeled skates.[5]
Skinner sometimes competed on skates against opponents on bicycles. Skinner lost these races, but not by much.[3] Bicycles of the time were primitive.
According to the New York Clipper, Skinner "throws forward his chest in a most remarkable manner" while skating.[1]
Races won
| Length | Time | Date | Location | Opponent(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 miles | 8:29.75 | 20 May 1883 | Boston | O'Rourke, Alliston | New England championship |
| 2 miles | 8:04 | F.G. Stumcke, A.F. Rivard | |||
| 1 mile | 4:15.75 | Boston | Bert C. Thayer | ||
| 5 miles | 22:29.75 | December 8, 1883 | Boston | B.L. Bailey | |
| 20 miles | 1:35:7 | January 22, 1884 | Haverhill | Ladd | American championship |
| 5 miles | 21:37 | Haverhill | Nate E. Clark | ||
| 4 miles | 17:36 | March 6, 1884 | Lynn | Nate E. Clark | |
| 5 miles | 20:9.25 | March 7, 1884 | Boston | Nate E. Clark |
Source: Roller skating made easy, 1884[3]