Henry Skinner
Henry Skinner, born in 1820 and passed away in 1895, was a pivotal figure in the Skinner family lineage. His family, originally from England, migrated to Australia in 1838, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in a new land. Henry's life was deeply intertwined with the timber industry, a profession that was a legacy passed down from his father, Charles, and his grandfather, Gabriel. This lineage of sawyers in the Skinner family was a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
Henry's journey to the Tweed River marked a significant chapter in his life. On September 30, 1863, he and a man named William Davis signed a contract with Samuel William Gray Esq, MLA. They committed to saw 20,000 super feet of timber, suitable for shipbuilding and house building purposes. This move signaled a substantial expansion of his work in the timber industry, and it is likely that he arrived at the Tweed between September 30 and November 14, 1863.
The proceeds from this initial timber contract allowed the Skinner family to purchase 600 acres of land on the corner of Hogans and Dulguigan Road (previously Skinner Road) North Tumbulgum, on the banks of the Rous and Tweed rivers. This strategic location became the site where the first timber boats were constructed and launched, marking the beginning of the Skinner family's influential steamboat business.
Henry established his farm on this land, a location that would become central to the family's ventures. Here, they created one of the first horse-drawn sugar processing plants. This innovative enterprise marked a significant step in the development of local industries and showcased the Skinner family's entrepreneurial spirit.
This sugar processing plant eventually evolved into an aerated beverage business, marking a significant diversification of the Skinner family's business interests. Henry's sons, George and Charles, played a crucial role in this transition. Their ability to adapt and innovate was a testament to their business acumen and their commitment to meeting the needs of their community.
George and Charles Skinner also expanded the family's influence by establishing a steamboat business. They constructed timber steamboats, initially to deliver their aerated beverages. However, recognizing the potential of this mode of transport, they expanded their services to deliver mail and then passengers and supplies. This venture became the main transportation link from Murwillumbah to Tweed Heads and Brisbane, playing a crucial role in the region's logistics and connectivity.
In the early 1900s, the Skinner family further extended their influence by building and operating several hotels. These included the Skinner Hotel, now known as the Courthouse Hotel, in Murwillumbah, and the Wells Hotel / Pacific Hotel in Tweed Heads. These establishments not only provided essential services to the community but also became significant landmarks in their respective locations.
Henry Skinner's daughter, Emily Skinner (later Dickinson), holds a special place in the history of the Tweed Valley. She was one of the first European women born in the region, her birthplace being on the banks of the Tweed River at Dry Dock Road. This personal milestone is a testament to the Skinner family's deep roots in the area and their significant contributions to its development.
Despite the limited specific information about Henry Skinner's personal life, it is clear that he was a man of resilience and determination. His move to Australia, his work in the timber industry, and his sons' ventures in the steamboat and aerated beverage businesses all speak to a family that was not afraid to take risks and seize opportunities. Their legacy, carried on by their descendants, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Skinner family.
Henry Skinner's final resting place is at the historical Tumbulgum cemetery, overlooking the Tweed Valley andthe old farm on the banks of the Rous River. This location, rich with the history and achievements of the Skinner family, serves as a testament to Henry's significant contributions to the development of the region.
In conclusion, Henry Skinner's life was a rich tapestry of personal endeavor, family legacy, and historical context. His journey from England to Australia, his work in the timber industry, his establishment of a farm on the banks of the Tweed, his sons' ventures in the steamboat and aerated beverage businesses, as well as their contributions to the hospitality sector, all speak to a family that was deeply engaged with the world around them. They seized the opportunities that came their way and left a lasting legacy for their descendants. Their life story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Skinner family and to the broader narrative of migration, adaptation, and resilience in the face of change. The birth of Emily Skinner, one of the first European women born in the Tweed Valley, further underscores the family's deep roots in the region and their significant contributions to its development.