Biography - George Winn
Winn, Geo. W. settled in Greene Co. in 1829; was born in Indiana, in 1827. Two years later his parents moved to Illinois, locating near Carrollton, a hamlet containing but a few straggling log cabins and a primitive store, kept by one John Evans; contents same as pertained to those outposts of civilization. Pork then brought $1.50 per hundred, wheat 37-1/2 cents per bushel, and other things in proportion. The land where the pioneers settled was unbroken, requiring the muscle of the head of the family to subdue. Here he lived for many a year, in a simple manner, his wants few because easily satisfied. He died in 1861, his wife dying in 1855. Of this family there are now living six children; the eldest, George W., from whom this sketch is obtained, grew to manhood in this county. His education was derived sitting on oakwood slab seats, from a Webster's spelling book principally. These were the days of hard times, although wheat frequently glutted the market. White bread or biscuit was seldom eaten, perhaps once a week, on Sunday. Young Winn became apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith, and became a superior workman. When the war of the rebellion came on, he enlisted in Co. I, 91st Ill. Inf. and served as general wardmaster. While in the army two little children of Mr. Winn died.
The bereaved mother, now left entirely alone, decided to enter the service of U. S. for the relief of our noble boys in blue. For ninteen months she ministered to the sick and the dying with a solicitude that gained for her the esteem of all. The heroine of the hospital wards at St. Louis, and the wife of G. W. Winn, was Mary C. Boggers, a daughter of Madison Boggers, who settled in Greene County in 1828, a wagon maker by trade, who fought in the Black Hawk war.
There are five children: John, William, Elmer, Mary E., and Julia Ann. In conclusion it may be stated Mr. Winn's life has been a success, owning a large brick machine and blacksmith shop at White Hall. He also owns valuable property in the town and also at Carrollton. What is somewhat remarkable, Mr. W. has never uttered an oath, never drank any liquor, nor used tobacco.
Possibly from Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, by Ed Miner, published in 1905.
