Daughter of Mary Ann (née Ward) and James A. Armstrong, Margaret was born at Haithwaite Gate, Nichol Forest, Cumberland, England. Margaret, age 9, immigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings, arriving on 23 May 1870 in New York on the S. S. Europa. Her family soon settled on a farm near Bellflower, McLean County, Illinois. Margaret's father passed away in 1877, and her mother remarried.
Miss Margaret Armstrong and Charles E. Skinner were married on 2 April 1879 in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska. The bride, age 18, was a resident of Bellflower, Illinois. The circumstances by which Margaret came to eastern Nebraska are not known. Perhaps she found employment there. Her three, then-unmarried sisters were each enumerated in 1880 in separate households in Illinois, working as servants. Margaret's mother (with second husband and their daughter) and her three brothers moved to Nebraska in 1882.
Margaret and Charles Skinner were the parents of three children who lived to maturity—Clarence, Orville, and Della—all born in Nebraska. The couple were enumerated in 1880 in Sarpy County, Nebraska; Charles was a photographer. Charles Skinner in 1883 advertised his photography business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Skinner family were enumerated in the 1885 Nebraska state census in Seward County (just west of Lincoln). Margaret's mother (and her husband), and sister Jemima were then enumerated in Seward, the county seat.
In 1894, the Skinner family relocated to Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, where Charles E. Skinner had a business, the Riverside Photograph Gallery. By late 1895, Margaret and Charles were living apart, and in 1896 Margaret was granted a divorce on the grounds of cruelty. The district court awarded her custody of their two younger children, and ownership of Riverside Gallery. Upon taking ownership of the gallery, Margaret Skinner engaged a photographer from San Francisco: Fred P. Dann.
Margaret Skinner and Fred P. Dann were married on 21 April 1900 in Reno with fellow members of their drama club in attendance. Less than two months later, the couple were enumerated with his son from his first marriage (Percy), and her two younger children (Orville and Della). Margaret's ex and their older son (Clarence) were enumerated in New Mexico Territory; Fred's ex (remarried) and their daughter were living in Oakland, California.
Margaret and Fred Dann operated the photography gallery until at least the early 1920s, when Fred started an x-ray laboratory and optometry business. Margaret Dann was active in local politics and with the Rebekahs, Pythian Sisters, and Women's Benefit Association.
In the winter of 1939-40, Margaret Dann went to Los Angeles for medical treatment, not having recovered fully from an auto accident some years earlier. Margaret died there at the home of her daughter. Before Margaret's death, Fred Dann was injured in a fall, leading to his death in 1941.
Children
In the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, Margaret Dann was reported to have had four children, of whom three were living. This agrees with Margaret's 1896 divorce decree. The 1885 Kansas state census, however, shows three additional children: sons G. D. and S. W. P., and daughter Margaret—all of them born to a mother born in Scotland. There is also an unsourced report of a son Arthur who was born and died in 1880.
Notes
Confirming identity—
• Mrs. Mary Ann Nichol's obit. listed among her survivors: "four daughters, Mrs. Mary Painter, of Illinois; Mrs. Dann, of Reno, Nev.; Mrs. Charles Heite, of Beatrice, and Mrs. Tharpe, who resides in Wyoming." (The Columbus Telegram, Columbus, Nebraska, 23 May 1913, p. 1.)
• Richard Armstong's obit. listed among his survivors: "three sisters, Mrs. Jemima Hite of Lincoln, Mrs. Mary Painter of Foosland, Ill., and Mrs. Margaret Dann of Bell, Calif." ("R. Armstrong Dies," Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, 24 Jan 1940, p. 6.)
1861 United Kingdom Census, Low Division of Nichol Forest Chapelry, Cumberland, England; dwelling 77, Haithwaite Gate Cottage, p. 94.
- Mary Ann Armstrong, head, married, 25, housekeeping, born in Carlisle, Cumberland.
- Mary -----, daughter, 2, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
- Margt. -----, daughter, 8 months, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
James Armstrong was the head of dwelling 48, Glendenning Rigg, where he was "farmer of 242 acres." Nichol Forest is within the Kirkandrews-on-Esk Parish.
1870 U.S. Census, Bellflower Twp., McLean Co., Illinois; dwelling 46, family 46, lines 26-34, p. 32 (printed), p. 7 (written), 9 Aug 1870.
26. Armstrong, James, 60, farmer, Scotland.
27. ----- Mary A., 44, keeping house, England.
28. ----- Mary I., 11, England.
29. ----- Margaret, 10, England.
30. ----- Richard, 8, England.
31. ----- Jane, 7, England.
32. ----- Jemima, 5, England.
33. ----- John, 3, England.
34. ----- James, 7/12, England, born the previous October.
• James Armstrong owned land worth $1,200, and had personal property worth $150. Mary, Margaret, Richard, and Jane had attended school within the year.
"Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZL-RLB4 : 28 November 2018), Charles E Skinner and Margaret Armstrong, 02 Apr 1879; citing Marriage, Schuyler, Colfax, Nebraska, United States, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln; FHL microfilm 2,020,708.
1880 U.S. Census, E.D. 3, Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska; dwelling 3, family 3, lines 9-15, p. 182 (printed), p. 15 (written), 14 Jun 1880.
9. Campbell, Joe, 33 [head].
[…]
14. Skinner, Cha's E., 22, photographer; self and mother born in Illinois, father in Germany.
15. ----- Margaret, 20, wife, keeping house; self and parents born in Scotland.
In 1883, Charles E. Skinner advertised the Bee-Hive Photograph Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska. (The Hesperian Student, Lincoln, Nebraska, 15 Feb 1883, p. 11.)
1885 Nebraska state census, E.D. 729, H Precinct, Seward Co; dwelling 30, family 30, lines 44-50, p. 4 (written), 3 Jun 1885.
44. Skinner, C E, 26 [head], farmer; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
45. ----- "Mary," 24, wife, keeps house; born in Scotland, father in Scot., mother in Eng.
46. ----- C L, 6, son, Nebraska. [Clarence Leroy]
47. ----- G D, 4, son, Nebraska.
48. ----- S W P, 3, son, Nebraska.
49. ----- Margaret, 2, daughter, Nebraska.
50. Skinner, Jane, 19, sister, keeps house; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
"AS MY WIFE, MRS. MARGARET SKINNER, and I are living apart for what I deem good and sufficient cause [...] I will not be responsible for nor pay any bills contracted by her [...] C. E. Skinner." ("Notice to Public," Daily Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 17 Dec 1895, p. 1.)
"In the District Court to-day the Judge handed down his decision in the case of Margaret Skinner vs. Charles E. Skinner. The court granted the plaintiff a divorce from the defendant upon the grounds of cruelty, and awarded her the custody and control of the two minor children, and the defendant the eldest child, a boy about fifteen years old. The plaintiff is also awarded the outfit, good-will and business of the Riverside Photograph Gallery and $100 alimony, the defendant to retain possession of the business until July 1st, upon paying to the plaintiff the sum of $40." ("The District Court," Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, Nevada, 6 Jun 1896, p. 1.)
• In 1896, Margaret also sold dress patterns as the agent for Morgan adjustable patterns.
"Mrs. M. Skinner desires to announce to the public that she will assume charge of the Riverside Photograph Gallery on or about July 1, 1896. She will refit and rearrange the gallery and have the latest and most approved apparatus in the business. She has also engaged an artist from one of the best Galleries in San Francisco to assist her in the work." ("Announcement, Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 23 Jun 1896, p. 3.)
"Fred Dann, an artist late of Thor's Gallery, San Francisco, has arrived in town and will assume the management of the Riverside Gallery." ("A New Artist," Nevada State Journal , Reno, Nevada, 11 Jul 1896, p. 3.)
Reno Dramatic Club members were invited to come to the home of Margaret Skinner on Saturday evening "[to] transact business for the good of the club." Then, "F. P. Dann and Margaret Skinner, dress in the height of fashion, filed into the room and surprised those assembled by stat that they had been invited there to witness the marriage and have a general good time." ("Fooled Their Friends: F. P. Dann and Mrs. Skinner Married Saturday Night," The Weekly Gazette and Stockman, Reno, Nevada, 26 Apr 1900, p. 2.)
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 42, Ward 4, Reno, Reno Twp., Washoe Co., Nevada; dwelling 191, family 211, lines 58-64, p. 9B (written), 6 Jun 1900.
58. Dann, Fred D, head, Jul 1865, 34, married ½ year; born in California, father in New York, mother in Illinois; photographer.
59. ----- Margaret, wife, Aug 1860, 39, married ½ year, 4 children (3 living); self and parents born in Scotland; immigrated in 1870, 30 years in U.S., photographer.
60. ----- Percy, son, Dec 1889, 10; born in California, father in California, mother in Iowa; at school.
61. Skinner, Orville J., step-son, Sep 1885, 14; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
62. ----- Della G., step-daughter, Jul 1887, 12; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
63. roomer.
64. roomer.
In the 1896 divorce, Charles E. Skinner had custody of his eldest son—
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 19, Gallup, Precinct 27 Bernalillo Co., New Mexico Territory; dwelling 50, family 53, lines 83-84, p. 2B (written), 2 Jun 1900.
83. Skinner, Chas. E., head, Aug 1858, 41, M [married]; born in Illinois, father in New York, mother in Indiana; photographer.
84. ----- Clarence L., son, Oct 1881, 18; born in Nebraska, father in Illinois, mother in Scotland; photographer.
1910 through 1940 U.S. Censuses: enumerated in Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada.
"DANN—In Bell, Calif. , Mrs. Margaret Dann, wife of Fred P. Dann […] native of Dumfries, Scotland, aged 79 years. Cremation services in Los Angeles […]" Survivors include children: Mrs. J. G. Coffman of Bell; Mrs. Grace D. Adler of San Francisco; and O. J. Skinner of Reno. ("Deaths," Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, 4 Jun 1940, p. 14.)
• Margaret's sister Mary (blueheron14's great-grandmother) also insisted that she had been born in Scotland.
"In loving memory of our loving father and mother, Fred P. Dann and Margaret Dann, who departed this life [...]
DELLA COFFMAN,
J. SKINNER"
("In Memoriam," Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 10 Jun 1942, p. 6.)
Reviewed 14 April 2023.
Miss Margaret Armstrong and Charles E. Skinner were married on 2 April 1879 in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska. The bride, age 18, was a resident of Bellflower, Illinois. The circumstances by which Margaret came to eastern Nebraska are not known. Perhaps she found employment there. Her three, then-unmarried sisters were each enumerated in 1880 in separate households in Illinois, working as servants. Margaret's mother (with second husband and their daughter) and her three brothers moved to Nebraska in 1882.
Margaret and Charles Skinner were the parents of three children who lived to maturity—Clarence, Orville, and Della—all born in Nebraska. The couple were enumerated in 1880 in Sarpy County, Nebraska; Charles was a photographer. Charles Skinner in 1883 advertised his photography business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Skinner family were enumerated in the 1885 Nebraska state census in Seward County (just west of Lincoln). Margaret's mother (and her husband), and sister Jemima were then enumerated in Seward, the county seat.
In 1894, the Skinner family relocated to Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, where Charles E. Skinner had a business, the Riverside Photograph Gallery. By late 1895, Margaret and Charles were living apart, and in 1896 Margaret was granted a divorce on the grounds of cruelty. The district court awarded her custody of their two younger children, and ownership of Riverside Gallery. Upon taking ownership of the gallery, Margaret Skinner engaged a photographer from San Francisco: Fred P. Dann.
Margaret Skinner and Fred P. Dann were married on 21 April 1900 in Reno with fellow members of their drama club in attendance. Less than two months later, the couple were enumerated with his son from his first marriage (Percy), and her two younger children (Orville and Della). Margaret's ex and their older son (Clarence) were enumerated in New Mexico Territory; Fred's ex (remarried) and their daughter were living in Oakland, California.
Margaret and Fred Dann operated the photography gallery until at least the early 1920s, when Fred started an x-ray laboratory and optometry business. Margaret Dann was active in local politics and with the Rebekahs, Pythian Sisters, and Women's Benefit Association.
In the winter of 1939-40, Margaret Dann went to Los Angeles for medical treatment, not having recovered fully from an auto accident some years earlier. Margaret died there at the home of her daughter. Before Margaret's death, Fred Dann was injured in a fall, leading to his death in 1941.
Children
In the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, Margaret Dann was reported to have had four children, of whom three were living. This agrees with Margaret's 1896 divorce decree. The 1885 Kansas state census, however, shows three additional children: sons G. D. and S. W. P., and daughter Margaret—all of them born to a mother born in Scotland. There is also an unsourced report of a son Arthur who was born and died in 1880.
Notes
Confirming identity—
• Mrs. Mary Ann Nichol's obit. listed among her survivors: "four daughters, Mrs. Mary Painter, of Illinois; Mrs. Dann, of Reno, Nev.; Mrs. Charles Heite, of Beatrice, and Mrs. Tharpe, who resides in Wyoming." (The Columbus Telegram, Columbus, Nebraska, 23 May 1913, p. 1.)
• Richard Armstong's obit. listed among his survivors: "three sisters, Mrs. Jemima Hite of Lincoln, Mrs. Mary Painter of Foosland, Ill., and Mrs. Margaret Dann of Bell, Calif." ("R. Armstrong Dies," Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, 24 Jan 1940, p. 6.)
1861 United Kingdom Census, Low Division of Nichol Forest Chapelry, Cumberland, England; dwelling 77, Haithwaite Gate Cottage, p. 94.
- Mary Ann Armstrong, head, married, 25, housekeeping, born in Carlisle, Cumberland.
- Mary -----, daughter, 2, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
- Margt. -----, daughter, 8 months, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
James Armstrong was the head of dwelling 48, Glendenning Rigg, where he was "farmer of 242 acres." Nichol Forest is within the Kirkandrews-on-Esk Parish.
1870 U.S. Census, Bellflower Twp., McLean Co., Illinois; dwelling 46, family 46, lines 26-34, p. 32 (printed), p. 7 (written), 9 Aug 1870.
26. Armstrong, James, 60, farmer, Scotland.
27. ----- Mary A., 44, keeping house, England.
28. ----- Mary I., 11, England.
29. ----- Margaret, 10, England.
30. ----- Richard, 8, England.
31. ----- Jane, 7, England.
32. ----- Jemima, 5, England.
33. ----- John, 3, England.
34. ----- James, 7/12, England, born the previous October.
• James Armstrong owned land worth $1,200, and had personal property worth $150. Mary, Margaret, Richard, and Jane had attended school within the year.
"Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZL-RLB4 : 28 November 2018), Charles E Skinner and Margaret Armstrong, 02 Apr 1879; citing Marriage, Schuyler, Colfax, Nebraska, United States, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln; FHL microfilm 2,020,708.
1880 U.S. Census, E.D. 3, Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska; dwelling 3, family 3, lines 9-15, p. 182 (printed), p. 15 (written), 14 Jun 1880.
9. Campbell, Joe, 33 [head].
[…]
14. Skinner, Cha's E., 22, photographer; self and mother born in Illinois, father in Germany.
15. ----- Margaret, 20, wife, keeping house; self and parents born in Scotland.
In 1883, Charles E. Skinner advertised the Bee-Hive Photograph Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska. (The Hesperian Student, Lincoln, Nebraska, 15 Feb 1883, p. 11.)
1885 Nebraska state census, E.D. 729, H Precinct, Seward Co; dwelling 30, family 30, lines 44-50, p. 4 (written), 3 Jun 1885.
44. Skinner, C E, 26 [head], farmer; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
45. ----- "Mary," 24, wife, keeps house; born in Scotland, father in Scot., mother in Eng.
46. ----- C L, 6, son, Nebraska. [Clarence Leroy]
47. ----- G D, 4, son, Nebraska.
48. ----- S W P, 3, son, Nebraska.
49. ----- Margaret, 2, daughter, Nebraska.
50. Skinner, Jane, 19, sister, keeps house; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
"AS MY WIFE, MRS. MARGARET SKINNER, and I are living apart for what I deem good and sufficient cause [...] I will not be responsible for nor pay any bills contracted by her [...] C. E. Skinner." ("Notice to Public," Daily Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 17 Dec 1895, p. 1.)
"In the District Court to-day the Judge handed down his decision in the case of Margaret Skinner vs. Charles E. Skinner. The court granted the plaintiff a divorce from the defendant upon the grounds of cruelty, and awarded her the custody and control of the two minor children, and the defendant the eldest child, a boy about fifteen years old. The plaintiff is also awarded the outfit, good-will and business of the Riverside Photograph Gallery and $100 alimony, the defendant to retain possession of the business until July 1st, upon paying to the plaintiff the sum of $40." ("The District Court," Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, Nevada, 6 Jun 1896, p. 1.)
• In 1896, Margaret also sold dress patterns as the agent for Morgan adjustable patterns.
"Mrs. M. Skinner desires to announce to the public that she will assume charge of the Riverside Photograph Gallery on or about July 1, 1896. She will refit and rearrange the gallery and have the latest and most approved apparatus in the business. She has also engaged an artist from one of the best Galleries in San Francisco to assist her in the work." ("Announcement, Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 23 Jun 1896, p. 3.)
"Fred Dann, an artist late of Thor's Gallery, San Francisco, has arrived in town and will assume the management of the Riverside Gallery." ("A New Artist," Nevada State Journal , Reno, Nevada, 11 Jul 1896, p. 3.)
Reno Dramatic Club members were invited to come to the home of Margaret Skinner on Saturday evening "[to] transact business for the good of the club." Then, "F. P. Dann and Margaret Skinner, dress in the height of fashion, filed into the room and surprised those assembled by stat that they had been invited there to witness the marriage and have a general good time." ("Fooled Their Friends: F. P. Dann and Mrs. Skinner Married Saturday Night," The Weekly Gazette and Stockman, Reno, Nevada, 26 Apr 1900, p. 2.)
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 42, Ward 4, Reno, Reno Twp., Washoe Co., Nevada; dwelling 191, family 211, lines 58-64, p. 9B (written), 6 Jun 1900.
58. Dann, Fred D, head, Jul 1865, 34, married ½ year; born in California, father in New York, mother in Illinois; photographer.
59. ----- Margaret, wife, Aug 1860, 39, married ½ year, 4 children (3 living); self and parents born in Scotland; immigrated in 1870, 30 years in U.S., photographer.
60. ----- Percy, son, Dec 1889, 10; born in California, father in California, mother in Iowa; at school.
61. Skinner, Orville J., step-son, Sep 1885, 14; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
62. ----- Della G., step-daughter, Jul 1887, 12; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
63. roomer.
64. roomer.
In the 1896 divorce, Charles E. Skinner had custody of his eldest son—
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 19, Gallup, Precinct 27 Bernalillo Co., New Mexico Territory; dwelling 50, family 53, lines 83-84, p. 2B (written), 2 Jun 1900.
83. Skinner, Chas. E., head, Aug 1858, 41, M [married]; born in Illinois, father in New York, mother in Indiana; photographer.
84. ----- Clarence L., son, Oct 1881, 18; born in Nebraska, father in Illinois, mother in Scotland; photographer.
1910 through 1940 U.S. Censuses: enumerated in Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada.
"DANN—In Bell, Calif. , Mrs. Margaret Dann, wife of Fred P. Dann […] native of Dumfries, Scotland, aged 79 years. Cremation services in Los Angeles […]" Survivors include children: Mrs. J. G. Coffman of Bell; Mrs. Grace D. Adler of San Francisco; and O. J. Skinner of Reno. ("Deaths," Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, 4 Jun 1940, p. 14.)
• Margaret's sister Mary (blueheron14's great-grandmother) also insisted that she had been born in Scotland.
"In loving memory of our loving father and mother, Fred P. Dann and Margaret Dann, who departed this life [...]
DELLA COFFMAN,
J. SKINNER"
("In Memoriam," Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 10 Jun 1942, p. 6.)
Reviewed 14 April 2023.
Daughter of Mary Ann (née Ward) and James A. Armstrong, Margaret was born at Haithwaite Gate, Nichol Forest, Cumberland, England. Margaret, age 9, immigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings, arriving on 23 May 1870 in New York on the S. S. Europa. Her family soon settled on a farm near Bellflower, McLean County, Illinois. Margaret's father passed away in 1877, and her mother remarried.
Miss Margaret Armstrong and Charles E. Skinner were married on 2 April 1879 in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska. The bride, age 18, was a resident of Bellflower, Illinois. The circumstances by which Margaret came to eastern Nebraska are not known. Perhaps she found employment there. Her three, then-unmarried sisters were each enumerated in 1880 in separate households in Illinois, working as servants. Margaret's mother (with second husband and their daughter) and her three brothers moved to Nebraska in 1882.
Margaret and Charles Skinner were the parents of three children who lived to maturity—Clarence, Orville, and Della—all born in Nebraska. The couple were enumerated in 1880 in Sarpy County, Nebraska; Charles was a photographer. Charles Skinner in 1883 advertised his photography business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Skinner family were enumerated in the 1885 Nebraska state census in Seward County (just west of Lincoln). Margaret's mother (and her husband), and sister Jemima were then enumerated in Seward, the county seat.
In 1894, the Skinner family relocated to Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, where Charles E. Skinner had a business, the Riverside Photograph Gallery. By late 1895, Margaret and Charles were living apart, and in 1896 Margaret was granted a divorce on the grounds of cruelty. The district court awarded her custody of their two younger children, and ownership of Riverside Gallery. Upon taking ownership of the gallery, Margaret Skinner engaged a photographer from San Francisco: Fred P. Dann.
Margaret Skinner and Fred P. Dann were married on 21 April 1900 in Reno with fellow members of their drama club in attendance. Less than two months later, the couple were enumerated with his son from his first marriage (Percy), and her two younger children (Orville and Della). Margaret's ex and their older son (Clarence) were enumerated in New Mexico Territory; Fred's ex (remarried) and their daughter were living in Oakland, California.
Margaret and Fred Dann operated the photography gallery until at least the early 1920s, when Fred started an x-ray laboratory and optometry business. Margaret Dann was active in local politics and with the Rebekahs, Pythian Sisters, and Women's Benefit Association.
In the winter of 1939-40, Margaret Dann went to Los Angeles for medical treatment, not having recovered fully from an auto accident some years earlier. Margaret died there at the home of her daughter. Before Margaret's death, Fred Dann was injured in a fall, leading to his death in 1941.
Children
In the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, Margaret Dann was reported to have had four children, of whom three were living. This agrees with Margaret's 1896 divorce decree. The 1885 Kansas state census, however, shows three additional children: sons G. D. and S. W. P., and daughter Margaret—all of them born to a mother born in Scotland. There is also an unsourced report of a son Arthur who was born and died in 1880.
Notes
Confirming identity—
• Mrs. Mary Ann Nichol's obit. listed among her survivors: "four daughters, Mrs. Mary Painter, of Illinois; Mrs. Dann, of Reno, Nev.; Mrs. Charles Heite, of Beatrice, and Mrs. Tharpe, who resides in Wyoming." (The Columbus Telegram, Columbus, Nebraska, 23 May 1913, p. 1.)
• Richard Armstong's obit. listed among his survivors: "three sisters, Mrs. Jemima Hite of Lincoln, Mrs. Mary Painter of Foosland, Ill., and Mrs. Margaret Dann of Bell, Calif." ("R. Armstrong Dies," Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, 24 Jan 1940, p. 6.)
1861 United Kingdom Census, Low Division of Nichol Forest Chapelry, Cumberland, England; dwelling 77, Haithwaite Gate Cottage, p. 94.
- Mary Ann Armstrong, head, married, 25, housekeeping, born in Carlisle, Cumberland.
- Mary -----, daughter, 2, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
- Margt. -----, daughter, 8 months, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
James Armstrong was the head of dwelling 48, Glendenning Rigg, where he was "farmer of 242 acres." Nichol Forest is within the Kirkandrews-on-Esk Parish.
1870 U.S. Census, Bellflower Twp., McLean Co., Illinois; dwelling 46, family 46, lines 26-34, p. 32 (printed), p. 7 (written), 9 Aug 1870.
26. Armstrong, James, 60, farmer, Scotland.
27. ----- Mary A., 44, keeping house, England.
28. ----- Mary I., 11, England.
29. ----- Margaret, 10, England.
30. ----- Richard, 8, England.
31. ----- Jane, 7, England.
32. ----- Jemima, 5, England.
33. ----- John, 3, England.
34. ----- James, 7/12, England, born the previous October.
• James Armstrong owned land worth $1,200, and had personal property worth $150. Mary, Margaret, Richard, and Jane had attended school within the year.
"Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZL-RLB4 : 28 November 2018), Charles E Skinner and Margaret Armstrong, 02 Apr 1879; citing Marriage, Schuyler, Colfax, Nebraska, United States, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln; FHL microfilm 2,020,708.
1880 U.S. Census, E.D. 3, Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska; dwelling 3, family 3, lines 9-15, p. 182 (printed), p. 15 (written), 14 Jun 1880.
9. Campbell, Joe, 33 [head].
[…]
14. Skinner, Cha's E., 22, photographer; self and mother born in Illinois, father in Germany.
15. ----- Margaret, 20, wife, keeping house; self and parents born in Scotland.
In 1883, Charles E. Skinner advertised the Bee-Hive Photograph Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska. (The Hesperian Student, Lincoln, Nebraska, 15 Feb 1883, p. 11.)
1885 Nebraska state census, E.D. 729, H Precinct, Seward Co; dwelling 30, family 30, lines 44-50, p. 4 (written), 3 Jun 1885.
44. Skinner, C E, 26 [head], farmer; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
45. ----- "Mary," 24, wife, keeps house; born in Scotland, father in Scot., mother in Eng.
46. ----- C L, 6, son, Nebraska. [Clarence Leroy]
47. ----- G D, 4, son, Nebraska.
48. ----- S W P, 3, son, Nebraska.
49. ----- Margaret, 2, daughter, Nebraska.
50. Skinner, Jane, 19, sister, keeps house; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
"AS MY WIFE, MRS. MARGARET SKINNER, and I are living apart for what I deem good and sufficient cause [...] I will not be responsible for nor pay any bills contracted by her [...] C. E. Skinner." ("Notice to Public," Daily Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 17 Dec 1895, p. 1.)
"In the District Court to-day the Judge handed down his decision in the case of Margaret Skinner vs. Charles E. Skinner. The court granted the plaintiff a divorce from the defendant upon the grounds of cruelty, and awarded her the custody and control of the two minor children, and the defendant the eldest child, a boy about fifteen years old. The plaintiff is also awarded the outfit, good-will and business of the Riverside Photograph Gallery and $100 alimony, the defendant to retain possession of the business until July 1st, upon paying to the plaintiff the sum of $40." ("The District Court," Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, Nevada, 6 Jun 1896, p. 1.)
• In 1896, Margaret also sold dress patterns as the agent for Morgan adjustable patterns.
"Mrs. M. Skinner desires to announce to the public that she will assume charge of the Riverside Photograph Gallery on or about July 1, 1896. She will refit and rearrange the gallery and have the latest and most approved apparatus in the business. She has also engaged an artist from one of the best Galleries in San Francisco to assist her in the work." ("Announcement, Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 23 Jun 1896, p. 3.)
"Fred Dann, an artist late of Thor's Gallery, San Francisco, has arrived in town and will assume the management of the Riverside Gallery." ("A New Artist," Nevada State Journal , Reno, Nevada, 11 Jul 1896, p. 3.)
Reno Dramatic Club members were invited to come to the home of Margaret Skinner on Saturday evening "[to] transact business for the good of the club." Then, "F. P. Dann and Margaret Skinner, dress in the height of fashion, filed into the room and surprised those assembled by stat that they had been invited there to witness the marriage and have a general good time." ("Fooled Their Friends: F. P. Dann and Mrs. Skinner Married Saturday Night," The Weekly Gazette and Stockman, Reno, Nevada, 26 Apr 1900, p. 2.)
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 42, Ward 4, Reno, Reno Twp., Washoe Co., Nevada; dwelling 191, family 211, lines 58-64, p. 9B (written), 6 Jun 1900.
58. Dann, Fred D, head, Jul 1865, 34, married ½ year; born in California, father in New York, mother in Illinois; photographer.
59. ----- Margaret, wife, Aug 1860, 39, married ½ year, 4 children (3 living); self and parents born in Scotland; immigrated in 1870, 30 years in U.S., photographer.
60. ----- Percy, son, Dec 1889, 10; born in California, father in California, mother in Iowa; at school.
61. Skinner, Orville J., step-son, Sep 1885, 14; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
62. ----- Della G., step-daughter, Jul 1887, 12; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
63. roomer.
64. roomer.
In the 1896 divorce, Charles E. Skinner had custody of his eldest son—
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 19, Gallup, Precinct 27 Bernalillo Co., New Mexico Territory; dwelling 50, family 53, lines 83-84, p. 2B (written), 2 Jun 1900.
83. Skinner, Chas. E., head, Aug 1858, 41, M [married]; born in Illinois, father in New York, mother in Indiana; photographer.
84. ----- Clarence L., son, Oct 1881, 18; born in Nebraska, father in Illinois, mother in Scotland; photographer.
1910 through 1940 U.S. Censuses: enumerated in Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada.
"DANN—In Bell, Calif. , Mrs. Margaret Dann, wife of Fred P. Dann […] native of Dumfries, Scotland, aged 79 years. Cremation services in Los Angeles […]" Survivors include children: Mrs. J. G. Coffman of Bell; Mrs. Grace D. Adler of San Francisco; and O. J. Skinner of Reno. ("Deaths," Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, 4 Jun 1940, p. 14.)
• Margaret's sister Mary (blueheron14's great-grandmother) also insisted that she had been born in Scotland.
"In loving memory of our loving father and mother, Fred P. Dann and Margaret Dann, who departed this life [...]
DELLA COFFMAN,
J. SKINNER"
("In Memoriam," Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 10 Jun 1942, p. 6.)
Reviewed 14 April 2023.
Miss Margaret Armstrong and Charles E. Skinner were married on 2 April 1879 in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska. The bride, age 18, was a resident of Bellflower, Illinois. The circumstances by which Margaret came to eastern Nebraska are not known. Perhaps she found employment there. Her three, then-unmarried sisters were each enumerated in 1880 in separate households in Illinois, working as servants. Margaret's mother (with second husband and their daughter) and her three brothers moved to Nebraska in 1882.
Margaret and Charles Skinner were the parents of three children who lived to maturity—Clarence, Orville, and Della—all born in Nebraska. The couple were enumerated in 1880 in Sarpy County, Nebraska; Charles was a photographer. Charles Skinner in 1883 advertised his photography business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Skinner family were enumerated in the 1885 Nebraska state census in Seward County (just west of Lincoln). Margaret's mother (and her husband), and sister Jemima were then enumerated in Seward, the county seat.
In 1894, the Skinner family relocated to Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, where Charles E. Skinner had a business, the Riverside Photograph Gallery. By late 1895, Margaret and Charles were living apart, and in 1896 Margaret was granted a divorce on the grounds of cruelty. The district court awarded her custody of their two younger children, and ownership of Riverside Gallery. Upon taking ownership of the gallery, Margaret Skinner engaged a photographer from San Francisco: Fred P. Dann.
Margaret Skinner and Fred P. Dann were married on 21 April 1900 in Reno with fellow members of their drama club in attendance. Less than two months later, the couple were enumerated with his son from his first marriage (Percy), and her two younger children (Orville and Della). Margaret's ex and their older son (Clarence) were enumerated in New Mexico Territory; Fred's ex (remarried) and their daughter were living in Oakland, California.
Margaret and Fred Dann operated the photography gallery until at least the early 1920s, when Fred started an x-ray laboratory and optometry business. Margaret Dann was active in local politics and with the Rebekahs, Pythian Sisters, and Women's Benefit Association.
In the winter of 1939-40, Margaret Dann went to Los Angeles for medical treatment, not having recovered fully from an auto accident some years earlier. Margaret died there at the home of her daughter. Before Margaret's death, Fred Dann was injured in a fall, leading to his death in 1941.
Children
In the 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses, Margaret Dann was reported to have had four children, of whom three were living. This agrees with Margaret's 1896 divorce decree. The 1885 Kansas state census, however, shows three additional children: sons G. D. and S. W. P., and daughter Margaret—all of them born to a mother born in Scotland. There is also an unsourced report of a son Arthur who was born and died in 1880.
Notes
Confirming identity—
• Mrs. Mary Ann Nichol's obit. listed among her survivors: "four daughters, Mrs. Mary Painter, of Illinois; Mrs. Dann, of Reno, Nev.; Mrs. Charles Heite, of Beatrice, and Mrs. Tharpe, who resides in Wyoming." (The Columbus Telegram, Columbus, Nebraska, 23 May 1913, p. 1.)
• Richard Armstong's obit. listed among his survivors: "three sisters, Mrs. Jemima Hite of Lincoln, Mrs. Mary Painter of Foosland, Ill., and Mrs. Margaret Dann of Bell, Calif." ("R. Armstrong Dies," Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska, 24 Jan 1940, p. 6.)
1861 United Kingdom Census, Low Division of Nichol Forest Chapelry, Cumberland, England; dwelling 77, Haithwaite Gate Cottage, p. 94.
- Mary Ann Armstrong, head, married, 25, housekeeping, born in Carlisle, Cumberland.
- Mary -----, daughter, 2, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
- Margt. -----, daughter, 8 months, born in Kirkandrews-on-Esk, Cumberland.
James Armstrong was the head of dwelling 48, Glendenning Rigg, where he was "farmer of 242 acres." Nichol Forest is within the Kirkandrews-on-Esk Parish.
1870 U.S. Census, Bellflower Twp., McLean Co., Illinois; dwelling 46, family 46, lines 26-34, p. 32 (printed), p. 7 (written), 9 Aug 1870.
26. Armstrong, James, 60, farmer, Scotland.
27. ----- Mary A., 44, keeping house, England.
28. ----- Mary I., 11, England.
29. ----- Margaret, 10, England.
30. ----- Richard, 8, England.
31. ----- Jane, 7, England.
32. ----- Jemima, 5, England.
33. ----- John, 3, England.
34. ----- James, 7/12, England, born the previous October.
• James Armstrong owned land worth $1,200, and had personal property worth $150. Mary, Margaret, Richard, and Jane had attended school within the year.
"Nebraska Marriages, 1855-1995," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2ZL-RLB4 : 28 November 2018), Charles E Skinner and Margaret Armstrong, 02 Apr 1879; citing Marriage, Schuyler, Colfax, Nebraska, United States, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln; FHL microfilm 2,020,708.
1880 U.S. Census, E.D. 3, Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska; dwelling 3, family 3, lines 9-15, p. 182 (printed), p. 15 (written), 14 Jun 1880.
9. Campbell, Joe, 33 [head].
[…]
14. Skinner, Cha's E., 22, photographer; self and mother born in Illinois, father in Germany.
15. ----- Margaret, 20, wife, keeping house; self and parents born in Scotland.
In 1883, Charles E. Skinner advertised the Bee-Hive Photograph Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska. (The Hesperian Student, Lincoln, Nebraska, 15 Feb 1883, p. 11.)
1885 Nebraska state census, E.D. 729, H Precinct, Seward Co; dwelling 30, family 30, lines 44-50, p. 4 (written), 3 Jun 1885.
44. Skinner, C E, 26 [head], farmer; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
45. ----- "Mary," 24, wife, keeps house; born in Scotland, father in Scot., mother in Eng.
46. ----- C L, 6, son, Nebraska. [Clarence Leroy]
47. ----- G D, 4, son, Nebraska.
48. ----- S W P, 3, son, Nebraska.
49. ----- Margaret, 2, daughter, Nebraska.
50. Skinner, Jane, 19, sister, keeps house; born in Illinois, father in N Y, mother in Ind.
"AS MY WIFE, MRS. MARGARET SKINNER, and I are living apart for what I deem good and sufficient cause [...] I will not be responsible for nor pay any bills contracted by her [...] C. E. Skinner." ("Notice to Public," Daily Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 17 Dec 1895, p. 1.)
"In the District Court to-day the Judge handed down his decision in the case of Margaret Skinner vs. Charles E. Skinner. The court granted the plaintiff a divorce from the defendant upon the grounds of cruelty, and awarded her the custody and control of the two minor children, and the defendant the eldest child, a boy about fifteen years old. The plaintiff is also awarded the outfit, good-will and business of the Riverside Photograph Gallery and $100 alimony, the defendant to retain possession of the business until July 1st, upon paying to the plaintiff the sum of $40." ("The District Court," Reno Evening Gazette, Reno, Nevada, 6 Jun 1896, p. 1.)
• In 1896, Margaret also sold dress patterns as the agent for Morgan adjustable patterns.
"Mrs. M. Skinner desires to announce to the public that she will assume charge of the Riverside Photograph Gallery on or about July 1, 1896. She will refit and rearrange the gallery and have the latest and most approved apparatus in the business. She has also engaged an artist from one of the best Galleries in San Francisco to assist her in the work." ("Announcement, Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 23 Jun 1896, p. 3.)
"Fred Dann, an artist late of Thor's Gallery, San Francisco, has arrived in town and will assume the management of the Riverside Gallery." ("A New Artist," Nevada State Journal , Reno, Nevada, 11 Jul 1896, p. 3.)
Reno Dramatic Club members were invited to come to the home of Margaret Skinner on Saturday evening "[to] transact business for the good of the club." Then, "F. P. Dann and Margaret Skinner, dress in the height of fashion, filed into the room and surprised those assembled by stat that they had been invited there to witness the marriage and have a general good time." ("Fooled Their Friends: F. P. Dann and Mrs. Skinner Married Saturday Night," The Weekly Gazette and Stockman, Reno, Nevada, 26 Apr 1900, p. 2.)
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 42, Ward 4, Reno, Reno Twp., Washoe Co., Nevada; dwelling 191, family 211, lines 58-64, p. 9B (written), 6 Jun 1900.
58. Dann, Fred D, head, Jul 1865, 34, married ½ year; born in California, father in New York, mother in Illinois; photographer.
59. ----- Margaret, wife, Aug 1860, 39, married ½ year, 4 children (3 living); self and parents born in Scotland; immigrated in 1870, 30 years in U.S., photographer.
60. ----- Percy, son, Dec 1889, 10; born in California, father in California, mother in Iowa; at school.
61. Skinner, Orville J., step-son, Sep 1885, 14; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
62. ----- Della G., step-daughter, Jul 1887, 12; born in Nebraska, parents in Scotland; at school.
63. roomer.
64. roomer.
In the 1896 divorce, Charles E. Skinner had custody of his eldest son—
1900 U.S. Census, E.D. 19, Gallup, Precinct 27 Bernalillo Co., New Mexico Territory; dwelling 50, family 53, lines 83-84, p. 2B (written), 2 Jun 1900.
83. Skinner, Chas. E., head, Aug 1858, 41, M [married]; born in Illinois, father in New York, mother in Indiana; photographer.
84. ----- Clarence L., son, Oct 1881, 18; born in Nebraska, father in Illinois, mother in Scotland; photographer.
1910 through 1940 U.S. Censuses: enumerated in Reno, Washoe Co., Nevada.
"DANN—In Bell, Calif. , Mrs. Margaret Dann, wife of Fred P. Dann […] native of Dumfries, Scotland, aged 79 years. Cremation services in Los Angeles […]" Survivors include children: Mrs. J. G. Coffman of Bell; Mrs. Grace D. Adler of San Francisco; and O. J. Skinner of Reno. ("Deaths," Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno, Nevada, 4 Jun 1940, p. 14.)
• Margaret's sister Mary (blueheron14's great-grandmother) also insisted that she had been born in Scotland.
"In loving memory of our loving father and mother, Fred P. Dann and Margaret Dann, who departed this life [...]
DELLA COFFMAN,
J. SKINNER"
("In Memoriam," Nevada State Journal, Reno, Nevada, 10 Jun 1942, p. 6.)
Reviewed 14 April 2023.
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