John Skinner had left his family home at Abernant Farm in Kemeys Inferior, Monmouthshire in 1881. He travelled to Nebraska, USA, where he married Minnie Rose Wilson. They settled in Spiker and ran a general store and post office. In 1896, aged 37, John planned an eight-week trip back home. The purpose was to catch up with family and friends, but primarily to visit various poultry farms in Massachusetts, England, and Wales. His intention was to purchase chickens which he could take back to Nebraska for breeding.

John kept detailed notes of this trip. These were arranged and edited by his son, William Skinner and printed in 1959 by his grandson, John L Skinner. This new edition has been created for the Skinner family history website. It includes minor text amends, updates of place names and the addition of images from the period. The document is a fascinating read both as a travel document and for its portrayal of poultry breeders in the late 19th century.