Charles Winter

Regions: Schoharie Co., NY; Walworth Co., WI

From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, Publ. 1912 - Page 949-950 CHARLES WINTER. Another of the sterling natives of the old Empire state who came to Walworth county in the early days and here became well established through his industry and right living, and thereby has benefited himself and the community alike is the well known retired miller and farmer, Charles WINTER, of Sharon, a man who has merited in every way the success he has achieved in a material way and the esteem of his fellow citizens, which all who know him freely accord. Mr. WINTER was born on November 10, 1838, in Schoharie county, New York. He is the son of George and Sally (LITTLE) WINTER, both natives of the state of New York, where they spent their early lives and were married, and there they lived until 1842, when they came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, and settled at South Grove, taking up one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, to which they later added eighty acres, and there the father farmed the rest of his life, maintaining also at South Grove a wagon shop for thirty years, and he became well known as a wagon-maker. He built the first store building, which was the brick, in South Grove. He was an influential man in his community and highly respected. His family consisted of eight children, namely: William, deceased; Elmira, deceased; Charles, of this sketch; Stewart is deceased; Walter lives in Racine; David is deceased; Nelson died in infancy. Charles WINTER was educated in the schools of Walworth county and here grew to manhood, being three years old upon his arrival. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and found plenty to do, for in developing a new country there is work for all. He engaged in farming and milling successfully for a period of thirty years, but retired from the active duties of life in 1891 and moved to the town of Sharon, having sold his farm and mill. Mr. WINTER is a Republican, but he has never been very active in party affairs. He is a member of the English Lutheran church. On March 12, 1868, he was united in marriage with Sarah Josephine WILKINS, daughter of Alva and Huldah (HOTCHKISS) WILKINS, the father a native of New Hampshire and the mother of Hampton, Washington county, New York. He came to Sharon township, this county, in 1863 and settled on a farm. He was a molder of stoves, etc., by profession, which he followed until compelled to give it up on account of ill health. His death occurred on December 22, 1881. His widow survives and makes her home with the subject. The subject's marriage has been without issue. Submitted by Carol