A mule-driver.
1870. I took to the plains … in the capacity of a “mule-skinner” for the trip, seated on the back of my “near wheeler,” and wielding a whip nearly half as large as myself over the backs of three spans of mules.—J. H. Beadle, ‘Life in Utah,’ p. 224 (Phila., &c.).
1888. To guard against the numerous mishaps or prairie travel, two or three of these prarie schooners usually go together, the brawny teamsters, known either as “bull-whackers” or as “mule-skinners,” stalking beside their slow-moving teams.—Theodore Roosevelt, ‘Ranch Life in the Far West,’ Century Mag., xxxv. p. 499/2 (Feb.). (N.E.D.)
1909. In 1879, Harry Pye, a “mule-skinner” in the employ of the United States army, engaged in transporting military supplies, found indications of gold and silver near the spot where Chloride post office is now located.—N.Y. Evening Post, Oct. 28.
