Isaac R. Winters

Isaac R. Winters was a prominent farmer in Sumner County, known for his dedication to agriculture and strong Christian values. Born on February 21, 1838, in Preble County, Ohio, he later moved to Indiana and then Kansas, where he became an esteemed member of the community. A veteran of the Civil War, he served valiantly in the Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry. Winters was married twice, first to Mary E. McCoy, with whom he had three children, and later to Sarah M. Malone. He passed away after a life of service and integrity.

ISAAC R. WINTERS. A front rank among the farmers of Sumner County is occupied by the above-named gentleman, and his assured position in financial circles has been accomplished by his own efforts and his wise use of the strength and ability bestowed upon him by nature. He has not only a high standing among farmers and fruit-growers, but enjoys a meritorious war record and a reputation for uprightness and Christian character which make it a special pleasure to represent him in this volume.

Before entering upon the sketch of the life of our subject, it may be well to devote a few lines to his progenitors. His father, John S. Winters, was born in the Green Mountain State, December 12, 1812, and in his boyhood was taken by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Winters, to Preble County, Ohio. He entered the ministry of the United Brethren Church when twenty-one years of age, preaching his first sermon in Preble County, Ohio. In Darke County, Ohio, March 29, 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Prudence, daughter of Nathaniel Harris. She was born in that county in 1813, and her death took place in 1866. About the year 1850 Elder Winters moved to Logansport, Ind., and preached in that vicinity until his death, in May, 1883. The parental family comprised nine children: Eli, Isaac R., Maria, John B., Marvin, Sophia, San Francisco, Theophilus R. and Elvira.

Isaac R. Winters was born in Preble County, Ohio, February 21, 1838, and passed the first twelve years of his life in his native county. From that time until 1871 his home was in Cass County, Ind., whence he removed to Kansas, and the following spring pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Caldwell Township; he immediately identified himself with the agriculturists and the better class of citizens of Sumner County. He has given all his time to general farming and fruit growing, improving his land and bringing it to a state of cultivation second to none in the vicinity. He is a member of the Farmers’ Alliance and of the Christian Church.

In 1861 Mr. Winters determined to devote his energy to the preservation of the Union, and joining the army as a private in Company B, Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry, became an integral part of the Army of the Cumberland, having for his commanding officers three of the most noted generals in contemporaneous history — Logan, Sherman and Grant. Although he participated in struggles on many a hard-fought field, he fortunately escaped wounds and retained such excellent health that he was never an inmate of the hospital. At New Madrid, Ruddles Point, St. Charles (Ark.), Ft. Pemberton, Ft. Gibson, Champion Hills, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Grand Coteau (La.) and Mansfield he bore the part of a brave soldier, as well as in the minor engagements and weary marches. Under all circumstances he manifested the same loyal and uncomplaining spirit, and the same determination that his share in the great conflict should be bravely borne. In November, 1865, he received his honorable discharge at Louisville, Ky., and once more resumed the peaceful occupations which had been interrupted by the call to arms.

In Cass County, Ind., October 14, 1868, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Winters and Miss Mary E. McCoy. The bride was born in Pulaski County, Ind., July 19, 1846, and departed this life March 29, 1873. She had borne her husband three children: Amy, Frank P. and Harry P., the latter of whom died March 4, 1873, at the age of three months. On May 30, 1874, Mr. Winters was again married, taking as his companion Mrs. Sarah M. Malone, of Sumner County, widow of Ezekiel S. Malone. She is a daughter of Ezekiel V. and Icyphena (Marrs) Lisenby; her father was born in Washington County, Tenn., on February 14, 1808, and her mother in Monroe County, Kentucky, February 25, 1816. Mrs. Lisenby departed this life September 14, 1884; her husband still survives, and is making his home with our subject.