George Jordan Skakel, Sr

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Skakel

George Skakel was the founder of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, currently part of SGL Carbon.

George Skakel was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He married Ann Brannack (1892-1955) in 1918. Their children were Georgeann Skakel (1918-1983), James Skakel (1921-1966), George Skakel Jr. (1922-1987), Rushton Skakel (1923-2003), Patricia Skakel (1926-), Ethel Skakel (1928-), Anne Skakel (1933-). Skakel was employed at the beginning of his career as a railroad shipping clerk. While employed by the railroad he noticed the price volatility of coal fines which were a byproduct of producing more-in-demand forms of coal. At most times the coal mining companies were forced to store it or pay to have it disposed of. At times when there was a shortage of coal it could be processed into briquettes and used as a substitute. Later on he and three partners established a business as coal brokers. He thought to buy a former mine and started a business to receive fines and he stored it. He was then able to sell the fines when demand for it went upwards.

He and his wife died on October 3, 1955 near Union City, Oklahoma, USA in a plane wreck.

He was the father of Ethel Skakel Kennedy, who was the wife of United States Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He was also the grandfather of convicted murderer Michael C. Skakel through his son Rushton.

Mothers place of birth Pennsylvania Fathers place of birth Canada (English)