Rev. William Skinner

The origins of William Skinner are mysterious, and conflicting. He is of interest as a historical figure mainly through his family ties to Stephanus van Cortlandt, his descendants Maria Nugent and Cortlandt Skinner.

It is thought that William MacGregor was a cousin of John MacGregor of Glencarnock, and fought on the Stuart side in the Rebellion of 1715. It is then thought that he fled to Liverpool, where his was concealled by a Mr Skinner, whose name he took, due took the persecution inflicted upob all those who bore the MacGregor name. He then went to Philadelphia, but returned in 1721 and on the advice of Bishop Robinson took holy orders.

Another account suggests that a William MacGregor or Skinner went to Holland where he stayed with Lord Balmerino. It is then thought that he travelled for several years through France and Italy, from where he went to the West Indies and hence to North America. he received a University education, and as a result of a correspondent with Dr Robinson the Bishop of London, he resolved to enter into holy orders, returning to England in 1721. After his ordination, he returned to America, where he was appointed the rector of St Peter's Church Amboy, New Jersey in 1725.