Born in the Province of New Jersey, North America in 1761, John Macgregor Skinner was raised in the town of Perth Amboy. After loosing an eye in a childhood accident, the young Skinner entered the British Navy in February, 1776 at the outbreak of the American Revolution.

Whilst serving as a midshipman aboard HMS Phoenix, in October of that year he lost an arm after coming under attack whilst passing Fort Washington on the Hudson River.

In 1793 he left the Navy and joined the Post Office service and moved to Holyhead. He served as master on packet ships crossing the Irish Sea. Captain Skinner campaigned vigourously to improve the management of the Post Office service and the condition of their ships.