Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 16, 1892 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois |
| Ancestry | Part Dutch ancestry |
| Marriage | Ann Brannack in 1917 |
| Children | Seven (notably Ethel Skakel Kennedy) |
| Major Achievement | Founded Great Lakes Carbon Corporation |
| Estimated Net Worth | Multi-millionaire by 1929 |
| Notable Family Events | Daughter married Robert F. Kennedy; grandson involved in murder case |
Early Life
George Skakel presumably was born in Chicago on July 16, 1892. His family was Protestant and Dutch. William, Margaret, and James Curtis Skakel Jr. were his siblings.
| Sibling Name | Birth Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| William Skakel | – | Elder brother |
| Margaret Skakel | – | Younger sister |
| James Curtis Skakel Jr. | – | Younger brother |
Career
George started as a $8-a-week railroad shipment clerk. He formed The Great Lakes Coal & Coke Company in 1919 to capitalize on the coal sector. This venture became Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, one of the largest US privately held corporations by 1929.
| Career Milestones | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Railroad Shipping Clerk | Early 1910s | Started with an $8 weekly salary |
| Founded Great Lakes Coal & Coke Company | 1919 | Initial investment of $1,000 |
| Became Coal Magnate | 1929 | Company grew to significant stature |
Net Worth
His company’s success made George Skakel a multi-millionaire by 1929, though his total worth is unknown. Family influence and legacy show his wealth.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | Multi-millionaire | Achievement from business success |
Family and Well-Known Members
The 1917 marriage of George Skakel and Ann Brannack produced seven children. Ethel Skakel Kennedy became famous after marrying Robert F. Kennedy. Due to his legal troubles over Martha Moxley’s death, George’s grandson Michael Skakel became famous.
| Family Member | Birth Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Georgeann Skakel | 1918 | Known as Georgeann Dowdle and Terrien |
| James Curtis Skakel III | 1921 | Middle name reflects family naming tradition |
| George Skakel Jr. | 1922 | Died in a plane crash |
| Rushton Walter Skakel | 1923 | Took over family business |
| Patricia Sistine Skakel | 1925 | Later known as Patricia Cuffe |
| Ethel Skakel Kennedy | 1928 | Married Robert F. Kennedy, significant public figure |
| Ann Skakel | 1933 | Later known as Ann McCooey |
Notable Family Events
The 1955 plane disaster that killed George and Ann Skakel was a major event for the family. Ethel’s marriage and Michael’s legal issues shaped their children’s wealth and scandal after their deaths.
| Event | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plane Crash | 1955 | George and Ann Skakel died near Union City, Oklahoma |
| Legal Controversy | 2002 | Michael Skakel convicted in the murder of Martha Moxley |
FAQ
What was George Skakel’s profession?
Coal mogul and industrialist George Skakel formed Great Lakes Carbon Corporation.
How many kids did George Skakel have?
Ethel Skakel Kennedy was the most famous of George Skakel’s seven children.
The relevance of George Skakel’s wealth?
His riches made the Skakel family influential, especially through his daughter’s marriage to Robert F. Kennedy.
What became of George Skakel and his wife?
The 1955 plane tragedy that killed George and Ann Skakel changed the family.
