Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 809 - 810

JOHN W. WINTERS. Among the young men of Sedgwick County who have selected agriculture as their vocation in life, and judging from their present indications are bound to succeed in their chosen calling, is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a resident of Eagle Township, on section 23. He came to Sedgwick County in the fall of 1872, when but fifteen years of age, and for about three years made his home with his brother, Oscar L. Winters, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in the pages of this ALBUM. He then removed to Reno County, in this State, where for three years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the expiration of that period he returned to Sedgwick County, and on the farm of his brother, on section 26, carried on the labors of his chosen vocation. Eighteen months later he crossed the river, and renting J. R. Brown's place, on section 28, lived there one year, after which he purchased the farm where he is now living of Jacob Wilson, of whom he bought eighty acres. This has been his home ever since, and here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

            Mr. Winters is a native of LaSalle County, Ill., born Sept. 1, 1837, and is the son of William and Lettie (McDowell) Winters, both of whom were natives of Ohio. A sketch of his parents is given in connection with that of his brother Oscar, in another place. The subject of this sketch is a self-made man, having made all his possessions by his own industry, diligence and economy, and is entitled to high praise for his commendable activity. He is, although young in years, one of the representative men of the township, and occupies a high place in the estimation of his fellow-citizens. His genial manners and his sturdy integrity have won him a host of friends, and he is highly regarded by all with whom he comes in contact. He is strong in his faith in the principles of the Republican party, and never falters in his allegiance to that organization, but, although interested to a great degree in all local campaigns, has no desire for the troubles, responsibilities and disquieting influences of political office. In 1881 he was induced to accept the nomination for Treasurer of School District No. 11, and on his election filled that position for about a year, when he resigned it on removing from the district.

             Having established a home of his own, Mr. Winters was united in marriage, Nov. 12, 1882, with Miss Jessie Blinn, and installed her mistress of the household. His chosen life companion is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born Sept. 4, 1856, and is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Watson) Blinn, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Her father is a hardy son of toil, who is engaged in tilling his farm in Valley Center Township, in this county. Our subject and his wife have been blessed by the advent of two interesting children, May and Craig, who are the light of the household and the joy of their parents' hearts.

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