Kenneth Skinner

Kenneth A. Skinner (1861 – 25 July 1932) was a champion roller speed skater in the late nineteenth century.

Kenneth A. Skinner

Personal information
Nationality	Canadian
Born	1861 Nova Scotia
Died	July 25, 1932 Norfolk, Massachusetts
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]