Winters Surname

The Winters line needs more research. Any information before the late 1700s is purely speculative. This line is probably English or Dutch in origin.

Our earliest provable Winters ancestor, Silas Winters, was most likely the son of Obadiah Winters and his second wife Phebe Gordon. They lived at Waterbury, Connecticut from about 1766 to about 1772. In about 1772, they may have moved to Vermont, and some of the family eventually moved on to Canada. That Obadiah Winters may have been connected to Obadias Winter and Susanna DuPuis of Staten Island, New York who had at least 4 children between 1700-1719. He may also be connected to Obadiah Winter and Margaret Cromwell of Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Obadiah Winters was born circa 1720. He died after 1774.

There is little known about the early life or origins of Obadiah Winters. He first appears in known records 1750 in Branford, Connecticut; but he was probably not from there originally. My wild guess (based on names) is that Obadiah was related somehow to Obadias Winter and his wife Susanna DePuy who lived at Staten Island, New York; and had several children between 1700 and 1719. An Obadiah Winters was still there as late as 1739. He also might have been related to an Obediah Winter (alias Grabum) who married Margaret Cromwell and died in 1675 in Woodbridge, New Jersey; leaving children including Josiah and Obediah Winter Jr.

"Our" Obadiah Winters was married to Hannah Butler, probably in Branford, Connecticut, at an unknown date but probably before 1746. In 1750, he purchased land in Branford from "Hannah Scarit" his mother-in-law. While living in Branford, Obadiah served in the French and Indian War. He served for a short time in 1757 before deserting, and again in 1761. Obadiah and his family apparently stayed in Branford until about 1766. In that year, Obadiah purchased land from Aaron Harrison in Waterbury, Connecticut. While living in Waterbury, Obadiah remarried to Phebe Gordon. They were living in Waterbury as late as August 1774, when they sold their land there and presumably moved away. His whereabouts after this is somewhat of a mystery.

Sometime prior to 1776, they moved to Pawlet in Rutland County, Vermont. They also apparently lived at one point at Otter Creek in Vermont. Sometime in the late 1780s, they moved to South Hero, in what is now Grand Isle County, Vermont. In 1790, Obadiah Winters was enumerated in South Hero with a family of 10 individuals. It is not clear whether this census enumeration refers to this Obadiah (born c. 1720) or to his son of the same name (born c. 1750). The fact that no known contemporary record refers to either of them by Sr. or Jr. implies that the elder Obadiah was by that time deceased or that they did not live together in the same area. My guess is that the elder Obadiah died in Vermont sometime during the 1770s or 1780s. It is possible though that he survived into the 1790s and may have moved with his son's family to Canada.

In 1750, Obadiah Winters purchased land from Hannah Scarrett, who was referred to as his mother-in-law. This led many researchers to assume that Obadiah's wife was Abigail Scarrett, or another unknown daughter of Richard and Hannah Scarrett. In actuality, Obadiah's wife was Hannah Butler, daughter of Hannah Scarrett by her first marriage to Silas Butler.

Additionally, most researchers assume Hannah died before 1768, when her husband remarried to Phebe Gordon. However, there is no proof that the Obadiah who married Phebe Gordon in 1768 was her husband - it could have been her son Obadiah Winters Jr.

1	Mary Winters was born circa 1746, probably in Branford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. She died on July 6, 1836 in Waterbury (now Naugatuck), New Haven Co., Connecticut. She is buried in the Gunntown Cemetery, Naugatuck, New Haven Co., Connecticut. She married Joseph Nichols on December 28, 1772 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut. They had children including: Nabby, Isaac, Lavinia and Mary Nichols. While most of Mary's family moved to Vermont during the 1770s, Mary remained behind in Waterbury, Connecticut - where she resided until her death.
2	Hannah Winters was born circa 1748. She married Timothy Porter on August 27, 1767 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut. The Waterbury vital records list her maiden name as both Winters and Andruss (Andrews). Unclear if she is really connected to this family.
3	Obadiah Winters was born circa 1750. He died after 1836 in Quebec, Canada. He married Mary "Polly" "Molly" Fletcher, probably late 1770s in Rutland County, Vermont. She was born on June 29, 1757 in Salisbury, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. They had the following children: Ebenezer F. Winters (c. 1779-aft. 1851) Abigail Winters (1783-1864) md. Benjamin Root There is no poof that Abigail was the daughter of Obadiah and Polly Winters, but I have placed her here because she named her son Obadiah W. Root, presumably in honor of her father. Abigail married Benjamin Root in about 1800. In the first 15 years of marriage, they lived at various times in North Hero, Vermont and in Canada. They later lived in Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Peter Obadiah Winters (1786-1864) Mary "Polly" Winters (c. 1790-1870) md. Erastus Smith There is no proof that Mary was the daughter of Obadiah and Mary, but she is placed here because she named one of her sons Cotton Smith, presumably in honor of her maternal grandfather Cotton Fletcher. Henry Winters (c. 1790-c. 1866) md. Eliza Perkins Henry and his family lived in Ontario, Canada. Sometime between 1838 and 1841, they moved to Ohio. Then sometime between 1845 and 1848, they moved to Washington County, Wisconsin, where they remained. Cotton Fletcher Winters (1795-1886) md. 1st Ann Morrison md. 2nd Sarah E. There is no proof that Cotton was the son of Obadiah and Mary, but he is placed here because it is assumed he was named after his maternal grandfather, Cotton Fletcher. Obadiah Winters may have been married to someone else before Mary Fletcher. In 1777-1779, Obadiah was involved in a court case in Pawlet, Rutland County, Vermont in which he renounced his wife and she was ordered to jail, but she escaped with a child and a black velvet cloak. (Unclear if this case refers to Obadiah, or to his father). Obadiah served in the Revolutionary War while living in Vermont, between 1778-1780. Obadiah married Mary Fletcher probably during the late 1770s or early 1780s. They may have lived at Poultney, Rutland County, Vermont during the 1780s. Obadiah and his family then settled in South Hero, Vermont during the late 1780s; where they were living in 1790. Sometime during the 1790s, Obadiah had plans to move to Canada. In 1797, they sold their land in South Hero but may have moved away before then. They settled off of the Ottawa River in the Quebec county of Argenteuil. They settled at either Saint Andrew (Saint Andre) or Grenville. He and his wife probably remained there until their deaths, but some of his children apparently returned to America. Some additional children may be listed under "unknown father" Winters, below.
4	Abigail Winters died after 1771. In 1771, an Abigail Winters was listed as a teacher in "Judd's Meadow" District in Waterbury, Connecticut. Because Obadiah Winters' family was the only known Winters family in Waterbury in that time period, it is assumed she must have been related to the family. Assumption is that she was probably born in the early 1750s, and thus the daughter of Obadiah Winters by his first wife Hannah Butler. No further information.
5	Timothy Winters Some researchers list Timothy Winters as a son of Obadiah Winters and his first wife (Hannah Butler). I do not know of any contemporary source that suggests a relationship between Timothy and Obadiah Winters. If so, he was probably the Timothy Winters who married Sarah and had children including Asaph, Betsey and Minos. They lived at Clarendon, Vermont in 1785-1786; then St. Albans, Vermont between 1788-1790; then were at Highgate, Vermont in 1798.

Phebe was the daughter of James Gordon and Sarah Smith, who lived at Wallingford and then Waterbury, Connecticut. Her father died when she was a young child and her mother remarried to William Rowley. There is hardly anything known about Phebe. She was alive in June 1774, when she signed a deed with her husband when they sold their interest in her father's (James Gordon) estate to her stepfather William Rowley. She probably moved with the family to Vermont at that time.

4	James Gordon Winters was born on January 29, 1769 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut. He died after 1830. He usually went by his middle name, Gordon. As an adult, he lived in South Hero, Vermont. In the Revolutionary War pension file of Isaac Adams (who married Hannah Fletcher, sister of Obadiah Winters' wife Polly Fletcher), Gordon was listed as having let Isaac use his boat to travel to Burlington, Vermont in 1792. He moved with his family to Canada during the 1790s, where he was living as late as 1802. He had returned to Vermont by 1810. He was enumerated in 1810 in South Hero, Vermont, then in 1820 in Savage Island, Vermont. He was probably the James Winters in 1830 in Peru, New York. Census records suggest that he was probably married and had at least five children. Unfortunately, there is no further record of his family. Some of his children may include those listed below under "unknown father" Winters. There is as of yet no evidence of James' wife's identity. One researcher's theory is that his wife was a sister of Polly Fletcher (wife of James' half-brother Obadiah Winters). If so, then she was possibly Lorica Fletcher, born in 1771.
5	Silas Winters
6	Naomi Winters was born sometime between 1774-1784, probably in Vermont. She died after 1800. She married Levi Allen on June 18, 1793 in South Hero, Grande Isle Co., Vermont. They probably had at least three children, details unknown. Levi was probably related to Ebenezer Allen, a Revolutionary War hero and the original settler of South Hero. Levi was enumerated as the head of a household in 1800 in South Hero, Vermont. They left no further trace after this and may have moved to Canada in the example of other relatives.
7	unknown Winters was probably born between the 1760s and 1780s. He died circa 1805-1810, probably in New York. He probably married Abigail Cannon. They possibly had at least one child: Alphonzo Winters (1805-1840) md. Sarah Clawson Hyde This unidentified Winters man was probably the first husband of Abigail Cannon, the sister of Silas Winters' first wife Jane Cannon. They were married sometime prior to 1807, when she was described as Abigail Winters in her father's estate papers. Abigail was remarried by 1810 to Heman Owens. Census records indicate that there was probably one surviving male child as a result of this brief union. It's only a guess that Alphonzo was their child. One source indicates that Alphonzo was "for many years a resident of Cannonsville, Delaware county, New York", which suggests that he was born and raised there. It's more likely then that he was living with Abigail Cannon Winters Owens (who remained in the Cannonsville area continuously through at least 1830) rather than with Silas Winters (who had moved away to Pennsylvania in about 1813).
8	William Winters was born circa 1775-1780, probably in Vermont. He died sometime between 1830-1840, probably in Chenango Co., New York. He married Abigail Maria Underwood before 1820, probably in Delaware Co., New York. (She was born on January 1, 1797 in Sandisfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. She died after 1840, possibly in Chenango Co., New York or Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.) They had at least five children: unknown female Winters (born between 1810-1820) Betsey Ann Winters (c. 1822-c. 1852) md. Benjamin Aylesworth Daniel C. Winters (1825-1892) unknown female Winters (born between 1825-1830) Silas Sedgwick Winters (1828-1911) md. Mary J. Kelsey William is placed in this family because he is assumed to have been a close relative (and possible brother) of Silas Winters. Given his age though, he could have been a nephew or other relative. He is not found in any known record until the War of 1812, when he served in Delaware County, New York with Silas Winters. Later during the 1810s, William Winters married Maria Underwood, the niece of Silas Winters' second wife Phebe Phelps. William was living with his family in Tompkins, Delaware County, New York in 1820 and 1828. In 1830, they were in Oxford, Chenango Co., New York. And in 1840, his widow Maria was in New Berlin in Chenango Co., New York. After 1840, his known children (Betsey, Daniel and Silas) settled in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, where relatives of both the Underwood and Winters families were living.
8	unknown father Winters The below list of Winters children were probably grandchildren of Obadiah Winters Sr (born c. 1720), but we don't know who their father is. They could have been children of Obadiah Winters Jr, James Gordon Winters, Silas Winters, or another unidentified son or relative of Obadiah Winters Sr. James Winters (1790s-after 1830) According to census records, he was probably born between 1794 and 1800. James was living in Delaware County, New York in 1820 and 1830. He was married and had at least 7 children in his household. He disappears from Delaware County, New York after 1830. No further information. Greenleaf Winters (c. 1794-after 1822) Greenleaf was born in Grand Isle County, Vermont in about 1794. In his youth, he had moved to Delaware County, New York. In 1819, he was convicted of forgery with Silas B. Winters (see below) and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was pardoned and released in 1822. He was probably the "Greenlief" Winters living in Greenbush, Wisconsin in 1860 with a wife named Rachael and son Charles (born in Canada). He had probably moved to Canada after his release from prison. Note: Peter Obadiah Winters (1786-1864), son of Obadiah Winters Jr., had a son named Peter Greenleaf Winters, born in Canada in 1830. Sally Winters (c. 1796-after 1860) Sally was born in Canada in about 1796 (according to 1850 and 1860 censuses). Sally married Jesse ("Issi") Tripp in 1813 in South Hero, Vermont. They later settled in Ionia County, Michigan (near Silas Winters, born c. 1799). Many researchers have listed her as the daughter of Obadiah Winters Jr and Polly Fletcher, but I think it is more likely she was the daughter of his half-brother James Gordon Winters. Sally had children including: Anne, Harriet, David, Pelina, Silas and Lucinda Tripp. Silas Bradley Winters (c. 1798-after 1838) He was apparently born in about 1798 in Delaware County, New York. In 1819, in Delaware County, he was convicted of forgery with Greenleaf Winters (see above). He was released from prison in 1823. He apparently moved to Canada after this. He apparently settled in Ancaster (now a part of Hamilton), Ontario, Canada, where died sometime between 1838 and 1861. Probably married to Lydia Bighorn and had children including James, Lydia, Gustavus, Elizabeth and Lillie. Silas Winters (c. 1799-after 1850) I had previously assumed that he was the same person as Silas Bradley Winters (above), but they were actually different people. This Silas was born circa 1799 in Canada. In 1830, he was living in Malone, New York. In 1840 he was in Clinton County, Michigan. He settled in Ionia County, Michigan before 1844, where he remained (where he lived near Sally Winters Tripp). Married Polly and had children including Sarah, Henry, James, John and Mary. Almena Winters (c. 1802-1886) Almena was born in about 1802 in Canada per US census records. She married Jeremiah Hackett in 1818 in South Hero, Vermont. They later lived in New York and Wisconsin. She had at least three children, including Mary P. Hackett King. Note: the name Almena was repeated frequently in the family. Other Almena's include: Almena Winters (born 1814), daughter of Silas Winters and Phebe Phelps; Almena Winters (born c. 1826), daughter of Cotton Winters and Ann Morrison; Almena Smith (born 1817), daughter of Mary Winters and Erastus Smith.

Silas Winters was born circa 1772, probably in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut. He died in 1825* in Springville Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.

Probable Father: Obadiah Winters
Probable Mother: Phebe Gordon

There is no definitive proof of Silas' parentage or ancestry, but the connection to Obadiah and Phebe Winters is likely. Even if he was not the son of Obadiah and Phebe Winters, he was definitely related in some way to that family. The 1800, 1810 and 1820 censuses all suggest that Silas was born sometime between 1765 and 1775. Additionally, since Silas took the freeman's oath in South Hero, Vermont in 1793, it suggests he was 21 years old and born in about 1772. If he was born in about 1772, then he was probably born in Waterbury, Connecticut where his family lived until at least August 1774. A biography of Silas' grandson (George Squires) refers to him as "Silas Winters of Connecticut", which might suggest that he was born there. [The census records for Silas' 5 children who were still alive in 1880 and later list his birthplace variously as New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or Vermont.]

In 1774, the family sold their land in Waterbury and apparently moved elsewhere. Sometime between 1774 and 1776, they had moved to Pawlet in Rutland County, Vermont. They are said to have lived off of Otter Creek in Vermont, which is a long river covering much of western Vermont. Before 1790, they settled at South Hero, in what is now Grand Isle County, Vermont. The extended Winters family moved quite frequently. During the mid-1790s, some of the family moved to Canada; while some of the family (including Silas) remained behind in the United States.

In 1793, Silas took the oath as a freeman in South Hero, Vermont. Sometime between 1793 and 1799, Silas moved to New York. In April 1799, Silas was described as a resident of Westmoreland in Oneida County, New York, when he purchased land in that town. He did not remain there long and moved south to Delaware County, New York. In 1799, Silas was taxed for real estate and personal estate in the town of Walton, Delaware County, New York. There, he married Jane Cannon probably in 1799 or 1800. They lived at the village of Cannonsville in the town of Tompkins. Jane died early, sometime between 1803 and 1808. In May 1806, Silas Winters and a man named Elisha Church were issued a mortgage for interest in a saw mill in Tompkins in Delaware County, New York, which was described as "lately occupied by Blossom Cannon", his wife's brother. Blossom Cannon died in, or shortly before, August 1806. In about 1807 or 1808, Silas remarried to Phebe Phelps, who was probably the widow of Blossom Cannon. The saw mill property was just north of the village of Cannonsville, where Trout Creek meets Dry Brook - which was very close to where Joseph Cannon's family lived.

Silas served in the Delaware County Militia; enlisting in 1805 and absconding (deserting or going into hiding) in 1807. He later served in the War of 1812 out of New York in Farrington's Regiment before deserting from service. However, is not certain if this soldier was this Silas or another Silas Winters (possibly a nephew). But this soldier served in the same regiment with William Winters (brother?) and three of his first wife's brothers (Joseph, Ansel and Dexter Cannon). Sometime between 1812 and 1814, Silas moved with his family to Pennsylvania, where they remained. Most likely, they settled near Phebe's parents in the part of Waterford Township that is now Lathrop Township, in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. In July 1818, there was a letter addressed to Silas at the post office of Tunhannock, which was just across the county line in neighboring Luzerne County (now part of Wyoming County). Then in March 1819, Silas Winters (along with his brother-in-law Griswold Phelps) was a witness to a deed between Stephen Squier and Nathaniel Squier (his future son-in-law) for land in nearby Nicholson in Luzerne County (now part of Wyoming County). In 1820, Silas and family were enumerated in Waterford Township next to Phebe's father. In 1821 or 1822, Silas and his family moved to neighboring Springville Township, where they remained until his death in 1825*. His widow Phebe remarried to Joseph McKune and moved with him to Harmony Township in Susquehanna County.

* Silas died sometime between January 2, 1825 (when he was described on the 1825 tax list for Springville Township) and December 30, 1825 (when he was was listed as deceased on the 1826 tax list for the same place).

They had the following children:

1	Joseph Cannon Winters
2	Jane Winters was born circa 1805 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 1,36. Nothing is known about Jane besides her name and approximately birth year. It is unclear if she ever existed or if she survived to adulthood. There are females of her age group in her father's household in the 1810 and 1820 censuses, yet because the family was so large and possibly included extended relatives (including possible children of Phebe Phelps by an earlier marriage), it is impossible to determine whether she was still alive or not. My guess is that she died young and unmarried.

Phebe was born and raised in Granby, Connecticut. In 1801 or 1802, she moved with her family to Delaware County, New York. Some researchers suggest that Phebe was married to Blossom Cannon before she married Silas Winters. Blossom Cannon was the brother of Silas Winters' first wife Jane Cannon. Blossom lived in what is now Tompkins, Delaware County, New York, between at least 1798 and 1805. He died at Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York in or before August 1806. In May 1806, Silas Winters was issued a mortgage for interest in a saw mill in Tompkins in Delaware County, New York, which was described as "lately occupied by Blossom Cannon". This seems to suggest that Blossom moved from Tompkins to Canandaigua in about 1806, and died soon after. Presumably, Silas married Blossom's widow Phebe sometime between August 1806 and June 1808. Online family trees suggest that Blossom had three children: Abigail Cannon (c. 1798-1829, married James Gauley), Louise Cannon (1803-???) and Timothy Cannon (1806-1862). Timothy lived in Great Bend Township in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; very close to Phebe Phelps Winters McKune and many of her children. He was married to Phebe Skinner (the first cousin of Jacob Skinner who married Polly Winters, see below).

After Silas' death, Phebe remarried to Joseph McKune in about 1827 and moved with her children to Harmony Township, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania; where she lived for many years. There, they lived just west of the borough of Oakland in what is now Oakland Township. One source suggests they moved there in 1825 ¹⁷, yet that is unlikely and other contemporary records suggest she remarried and moved to Harmony in 1827 or 1828. After her husband's death in 1850, Phebe appeared on tax lists in Harmony Township through 1854, but then disappeared by the 1855 tax list. She might have died then, but she probably moved out west to Wisconsin (where three of her daughters settled) and died there before 1860. Her son-in-law Warren Dimock also disappeared from the Harmony Township tax list between 1854 and 1855; and her son-in-law Benajah Munson sold his Susquehanna County land in November 1855. Those families moved out west together in 1855 and by 1858 were living in Iowa County, Wisconsin.

1	Phebe Winters was born on February 24, 1809 2 in Delaware Co., New York. She died on June 1, 1846 in Lanesboro, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 2. She is buried in the McKune Cemetery, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She married Nathaniel Squires in about 1825 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. (He was born on October 15, 1792 in Morris, Camden Co., New Jersey 2 and died on April 27, 1878, probably in Nicholson, Wyoming Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the Stark Cemetery, Wyoming Co., Pennsylvania.) They had the following children: Silas Winters Squires (1826-1906) md. Lydia Brush George Washington Squires (1828-1907) md. Harriet Estabrook Frances Emeline Squires (1830-1880s) md. Simpson Drake Charlotte W. Squires (1833-1885) md. N.C. Whitcomb Imogene Squires (1837-1870s) md. Talcott Burr Banks Zenophon Squires (1840-1845) Alphonzo Squires (1844-1844) Phebe and her husband moved frequently during their marriage. During the first 11 or so years of marriage, they lived in Nicholson in Luzerne (now Wyoming) County, Pennsylvania. In 1836 they moved to Harmony Township in Susquehanna County, where most of Phebe's relatives were living. They were in Harmony Township between 1836 and 1841 and were in neighboring Great Bend Township between 1842 and 1845. Phebe's husband was documented as moving quite frequently, and he might have moved elsewhere in about 1845 and left his family behind in Susquehanna County. In 1845 and 1846, Phebe was individually taxed in Susquehanna County, suggesting her husband was not present.
2	Frances "Fanny" A.* Winters was born on May 22, 1810 in Delaware Co., New York 18. She died on April 21, 1884 in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana 4. She is buried in the Columbus City Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana. She married Benjamin Comfort on May 12, 1829 in Harmony Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 2. (He was born on May 15, 1805 in Deerpark, Orange Co., New York 2 and died on January 25, 1883 at Lowell Mills in Columbus Twp., Bartholomew Co., Indiana 4. He is buried in the Columbus City Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana.) They had the following children: Lydia Ann Comfort (1830-1830) Louise Comfort (c. 1833-1840s) Harriet Frances Comfort (1840-1891) md. Richard J. Thomas Frances and her family lived for many years in Lanesboro in Harmony Township, Susequehanna County, Pennsylvania. In 1866, they moved out west to Columbus, Indiana, where they remained. Benjamin was a blacksmith in Pennsylvania. In Indiana, he was a dry goods merchant and operated a general store. They lived north of the city of Columbus in Columbus Township, in a community called Lowell Mills. * A guess is that her middle name was "Alpha", and that she was named after her mother's sister, "Fanny Alpha Maria Phelps". Fanny Phelps was married to Arah Squier, who was the brother of Nathaniel Squier/Squires (married to Phebe Winters). The Republic [Columbus, IN], Apr. 22, 1884, Pg. 3: "The Messenger, Death. Mrs. Benjamen (sic) Comfort died suddenly last night about 11 o'clock, at the residence of Mr. Richard Thomas, on Chestnut street. She had just completed her preparation for retiring, and was in the act, it is supposed, of approaching the bed, when she was overcome with faintness and fell to the floor, with a scream that brought a girl to her side, she being the only one about the house at the time. The dying woman asked to be put into bed, and expired at once. Up to the time of her death she was apparently as well as usual. Mrs. Comfort was quite aged, the span of her life having extended over three-quarters of a century. For many years she has been a resident of this county and was respected as a most estimable lady. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are in New York City, but the telegraph has long ere this carried its sad message to them and they, perhaps, will leave for home to-night."
3	Eliza Ann Winters was born in 1812 in Delaware Co., New York 17. She died on April 30, 1899 in Oakland, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 27. She is buried in the McKune Cemetery, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She married Elisha Squires sometime between 1838 and 1840 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. (He was born in about 1813 in New York 3 and died before March 19, 1867 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. He is buried in the McKune Cemetery, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.) They had one child: Stanley W. Squires (1843-1918) md. Adelia "Delia" Lyons As a teenager, Eliza had some kind of involvement with Mormon religion founders Joseph Smith and Martin Harris, who also lived in Harmony, Pennsylvania. According to one unproven allegation, Joseph Smith attempted to "seduce" Eliza, and colluded with Martin Harris about it. This supposed event would have happened sometime between 1827 and 1829, when Joseph Smith was living there. A few years later, in 1832, Martin Harris apparently publicly declared that Eliza had given birth to a bastard child. She responded by suing him for slander, but lost the case. Some have proposed the theory that Eliza's half-sister Julia McKune (born in 1829) was actually her illegitimate daughter by Joseph Smith. More information about the story of Eliza's involvement with Joseph Smith is in my blog post. One source indicates that Eliza was married to Elisha Squires in 1837 17. Yet that isn't possible because in April 1838, she signed her name as "Eliza Winters" when she was a witness to her stepfather's will. They were probably married in 1838 or 1839. The couple first lived briefly in Harmony Township, then in 1839 they settled in neighboring Great Bend Township where they lived for the next 30+ years. By 1880, Eliza had moved with her son to nearby Oakland, Pennsylvania; where she remained until her death. Tri-Weekly Journal (Susquehanna, PA), May 2, 1899: Death of Mrs. Eliza Squires. Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, occurred the death of Mrs. Eliza Squires at her home in Oakland. Her age was 87 years. Deceased had for many years been a resident of that place, and was well known and highly esteemed. She is survived by her son, Stanley, with whom she resided. The funeral will occur tomorrow afternoon from the residence on High street at 2 o'clock and at Oakland M. E. church at 2:30, Rev. D. L. Sutherland of the Susquehanna Presbyterian church, officiating. Interment in McKune cemetery.
4	Almena Winters was born on July 2, 1814 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 5. She died on June 25, 1893 in Grant Co., Wisconsin 25. She married Benajah Munson on October 30, 1833 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 5. (He was born on June 10, 1805 in Pennsylvania 5 and died on January 9, 1885 in Grant Co., Wisconsin 5. They had the following children: Lucy Jane Munson (1835-1906) md. Warren Shubael Dimock Amasa T. Munson (1838-1862) Elsie Robertine Munson (1842-1872) md. Horace F. Perkins Esther "Ettie" Melissa Munson (1842-1906) md. Andrew Simeon Leonard Almena and her husband continued living in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania after their marriage. There, they lived in Great Bend Township. In November 1855, they sold their land in Pennsylvania and moved out west to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, they lived in neighboring Iowa and Grant counties. Benajah worked as a farmer.
5	Polly Winters was born on November 18, 1815 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 32,33. She died on June 26, 1915 in Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa 32,33. She is buried in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa. She married Jacob Skinner in October 1833 in Lanesboro, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 2. He was born on January 31, 1809 in Orange Co., New York and died on January 1, 1882 in Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa. He is buried in the Graceland Cemetery, Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa. They had the following children: Elisha Williams Skinner (1834-1906) md. Clara Gertrude Turner George Jefferson Skinner (1836-1899) md. Zeruiah Maria Johnson Panthea Skinner (1838-1853) Orban E. Skinner (c. 1840-c. 1840) Helen E. Skinner (1843-1875) md. Washington Irving Worthington Phebe Eliza Skinner (1847-1939) md. Andrew S. Bonner Marion R. Skinner (1850-1852) Marion Darwin Skinner (1853-1917) md. Clara A. Hawkins Maynette Skinner (1856-1906) md. 1st Lewis G. Legg md. 2nd Eli Bundy Dawson Charles Jacob Skinner (1859-1934) md. Amy Mary Legg In April 1833, a "Mary Winters" was a witness to a deed between Hezekiah McKune and Joseph McKune Jr. (two of her stepbrothers). Although Mary was likely her original name, she never used the name and was described as "Polly" on all subsequent records. Polly and her husband lived in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania after their marriage. They were Great Bend Township from 1833 to c. 1834; Harmony Township from c. 1834 to c. 1844; and in Montrose borough from c. 1844 to 1847. While living in Pennsylvania, Jacob was usually described as "Jacob Skinner 2nd", to differentiate himself from his uncle and cousin of the same name. He worked as a farmer and a miller. During the 1840s, Jacob ran into legal trouble when he and his brother-in-law Elisha Squires were sued for unresolved debts. It's just a guess, but this experience might have inspired Jacob to become a lawyer. In 1846, he was admitted to the bar and then practiced as a lawyer for the rest of his life. In 1847, they moved out west to Wisconsin; where they settled in Palmyra in Jefferson County. While living in Wisconsin, Jacob was elected to the state legislature as a representative. Then in 1857 they moved to Webster City, Iowa 32; where they remained for many years. Polly continued living in Webster City well into her old age. In her old age, she spent time living with her daughter Maynette in South Dakota, in a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa, and with her daughter Phebe in Des Moines, where she died - just shy of 100. Des Moines Evening Tribune, Jun. 26, 1915, Pg. 10: "Mrs. Polly Skinner, Aged 99 Years, Dead The death of Mrs. Polly Winters Skinner occurred this morning at 9:45 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. S. Bonner of Des Moines. Mrs. Skinner had almost reached the 100th mile stone, being born on Nov. 18, 1815, and up to the last few days remained her bright and optimistic self, with a keen interest in life and those about her. In 1857 she came to Webster City, Ia., with her husband, Jacob Skinner, one of the pioneer lawyers of the city. Mr. Skinner died in 1882, and of their ten children there are only three living. Mrs. A. S. Skinner of Des Moines, Mr. Charles J. Skinner of Lake Andes, S.D., and Marion D. Skinner of Houston, Tex. A short funeral service will be held at the Bonner home, 1903 Sixth avenue, tomorrow afternoon at 6 o'clock. Interment will be at Webster City, Ia., Monday afternoon."
6	Rebecca Winters was born circa 1816-1820 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She died after 1860, probably in Harmony Township, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She married John Westfall circa 1836 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. He was born circa 1811 in Pennsylvania and died circa 1856, probably in Harmony Township, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. They had the following children: Jerome Westfall (c. 1837-1862) Homer Westfall (c. 1840-1880s) md. Mary C. Tripp Louise Westfall (1846-1929) md. John Bright Grove Burdett Westfall (1850-1870s) md. Marcella Taylor Clara Westfall (1854-1908) md. John Snyder Scheible William H. Westfall (c. 1856-aft. 1860) There is no direct evidence that Rebecca Winters Westfall was the daughter of Silas and Phebe Winters, but the connection is proven through various other connections. In 1840, Rebecca's husband John Westfall was enumerated next to Joseph McKune (married to Phebe Phelps Winters) in Harmony Township, Susquehanna County, New York. In 1850, their family was in nearby Broome County, New York and in 1860, they were back in Harmony Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Rebecca probably died in the 1860s. During the 1860s, her two daughters moved out west to Columbus, Indiana; which is where their aunt Frances Winters Comfort moved in 1866. In 1876, her daughter Clara Westfall was married at Lowell Mills, Indiana; which is where the Comfort family lived. Then in 1891, her other daughter Louise Westfall Grove was described as the cousin of Harriet Comfort Thomas (daughter of Frances Winters Comfort).
7	unknown female Winters was born circa 1820 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She died after 1830. It is unclear whether there really was an additional Winters daughter. The 1830 census of Joseph McKune's household shows an additional unidentified girl born between 1820 and 1825. Yet theirs was such a large and extended family, there is no proof that the child was a daughter (or stepdaughter), and could have been some other relative.
8	Clarissa Winters was born circa 1822 in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 3. She died on October 23, 1865 in Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa 34. She married George William E. Lake on September 8, 1842 in Harmony Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania 2. He was born circa 1826 in New York and died after 1860. They divorced on May 6, 1865 in Webster City, Hamilton Co., Iowa 35. They had the following children: Delmer "Del" Lake (1843-1906) md. Esther E. Millard Comfort "Cump" D. Lake (1844-1918) George Lake (c. 1847-aft. 1866) Imogene "Gene" R. Lake (1854-1947) md. Delevan A. Holmes In 1838, Clarissa Winters was a witness to two of her stepfather's deeds in Susquehanna County. She married George William Lake in 1842. The transcribed citation for their marriage in 1842 indicates that "C. Winters" married "George W. Lane" (not Lake) of Catskill, New York. Given that, some researchers have assumed that he was George W. Lane, a son of Martin Lane (founder of Lanesboro, Pennsylvania). Yet that record must have been a typo, because Clarissa Winters was definitely married to George W. Lake. There are many details that connect that Lake and Winters families. First, the names of two of her children (Comfort and Imogene) were very unusual and were repeated between the two families. Second, Clarissa and her children moved out west and lived at in Webster City, Iowa, near Polly Winters Skinner (daughter of Silas and Phebe Winters). When Clarissa was divorced in 1865, Polly's husband Jacob Skinner was her lawyer. Third, when her daughter Imogene was married in 1874, she was married at the home of Harriet Comfort Thomas (the daughter of Frances Winters Comfort). Fourth, Imogene Lake Holmes was explicitly described as a cousin of Elisha W. Skinner (son of Polly Winters Skinner). Finally, in 1895, Delmer Lake's household included Frank (female) Perkins, the granddaughter of Almena Winters Munson (another daughter of Silas and Phebe Winters). Clarissa moved frequently after her marriage, and the inference is that they were poor. They were in Lanesboro, Pennsylvania when their first child was born in 1843. In 1847 they were taxed in Harmony Township (and described as renters in the "old tavern house" in town). In 1850, they were living in Lanesboro in Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania (her husband was absent from that census - he was apparently elsewhere). In 1854, they were in or near Carbondale in Luzerne (now Lackawanna) Co., Pennsylvania. In 1860, they were in Newtown Township, also in Luzerne (now Lackawanna) Co., Pennsylvania. Sometime in 1860 and 1861, they moved out west to Webster City, Iowa (where Clarissa's sister Polly was living). It is unclear if her husband moved with the family. They were divorced in May 1865, after he failed to respond to the newspaper summons about the divorce (her brother-in-law Jacob Skinner was her lawyer). She died 5 months later of consumption [tuberculosis] 34. Her husband (George) William E. Lake was most likely the same person who was living in Stearns County, Minnesota in the 1860s. He was married there to Georgianna Bates in October 1865. In 1870, he and Georgianna were still living in Stearns County. But in 1880, she was living in his hometown of Catskill, New York with their two daughters, while he was living in South Dakota; where he died in 1882. Hamilton Freeman [Webster City, IA], Oct. 28, 1865, Pg. 2: "DIED: In this village on the 23d of October, of Consumption, Mrs. Clarissa Lake, aged 4(second digit obscured) years...The funeral of Mrs. Lake and Mrs. Church was postponed until to-morrow at (obscured) o'clock a.m., at the Town Hall, because of the inclemency of the weather." [The same notice was re-printed on October 25, 1905, Page 8, "Just Forty Years Ago...On the 23d of Oct., 1865, Mrs. Clarissa Lake, aged 48 years."]

2nd Generation: Joseph Cannon Winters was born in 1802 or 1803 in what is now Tompkins, Delaware County, New York 1,3,36. He died on April 28, 1881 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 1. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. Father: Silas Winters Mother: Jane Cannon As far as I know, there is no contemporary evidence that Joseph was the son of Silas Winters and Jane Cannon, yet the connection is known through various circumstantial evidence. Joseph was named after his maternal grandfather, Joseph Cannon. He spent the first part of his life in or near the village of Cannonsville, Delaware County, New York. His mother died when he was young and his father remarried to Phebe Phelps. He had at least eight younger sisters (and possibly 2 or 3 step siblings). In about 1813, Joseph's family moved over the state line to Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; where they remained. It is unclear if Joseph moved with his family to Pennsylvania, and if he did - how long he stayed there. He does not appear to be enumerated in his father's household in the 1820 census. By the 1820s, Joseph had returned to his hometown of Cannonsville, New York. Sometime during the mid-1820s, Joseph was married to Maria Brower, whose family lived nearby. They lived together on a farm in the town of Tompkins (where Cannonsville is located) in Delaware County. In 1835, Joseph briefly moved with his family to Michigan. They settled at Pine Run in Vienna Township in Genesee County, Michigan. There, Joseph was elected as an Inspector of Elections in 1837. They did not stay in Michigan long and returned to Delaware County, New York sometime between 1837 and 1840. In 1840, they were living in Davenport, Delaware County, New York, and were enumerated next to Joseph's brother-in-law Andrew Smith. A guess is that they had recently returned to New York and were living with relatives until they could get back on their own feet. Sometime during the 1840s, Joseph and his family returned to the town of Tompkins, Delaware County, where they remained. His wife Maria died in January 1864. In August 1864, Joseph purchased a home in the village of Cannonsville where he lived until his death. Joseph married twice more after the death of his first wife, but had no more children. He did though have 5 step-children by his second wife: Sandford, Amos, Permelia, George, and Silas Cable; and 1 step-daughter by his third wife: Mary Bailie. Joseph was a farmer. On May 6, 1879, Joseph wrote his will, in which he provided some financial support for his wife Martha and left the rest of his estate to his surviving children. Joseph died on April 28, 1881 and his will was proven on May 23, 1881. He was buried in the Cannonsville Cemetery, Cannonsville, New York. In the 1960s, his body was exhumed along with those of all his family and reburied at the Oakwood Cemetery in nearby Stilesville, New York. Today, the physical locations that Joseph spent the majority of his life are at the bottom of the Cannonsville Reservoir. He married first to Maria Brower in about 1826 in Delaware Co., New York.

1	Eliza Ann Winters was born in March 1827 in Tompkins, Delaware Co., New York 3. She died on June 27, 1903 in Milo, Yates Co., New York 24. She is buried in the Milo Center Cemetery, Milo, Yates Co., New York. She married David Millard St. John in about 1855 in New York 3. (He was born on December 22, 1819 in Otsego, Otsego Co., New York 2. He died on December 12, 1906 in Milo, Yates Co., New York 24. He is buried in the Milo Center Cemetery, Milo, Yates Co., New York.) They had the following children: Catherine M. St. John (1856-1901) md. David Heller George L. St. John (1859-1915) Jay C. St. John (1862-1927) md. Ivonia P. Jones Eliza was named after aunts on both sides of her family; her parents both had sisters named "Eliza Ann". David was the widower of Eliza's deceased aunt Catherine Brower. They lived near Breesport, Chemung County, New York. Sometime between 1880 and 1892, they moved to Milo, New York, where they remained. Eliza died from "heart failure".
2	Alphonzo Winters
3	George Winters was born on August 18, 1830 in Tompkins, Delaware Co., New York 6. He died on November 8, 1918 in Delhi, Delaware Co., New York. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. He married Mary Jane Cannon on October 20, 1858 26 in Delaware Co., New York. (She was born on June 3, 1835 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 6 and died on November 2, 1891 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 6. She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York.) They had no children.
4	Harriet M. Winters was born in June 1836 3 in Pine Run, Genesee Co., Michigan. She died on August 14, 1900 in Elmira, Chemung Co., New York 22. She is buried in the Scotchtown Cemetery, Erin, Chemung Co., New York. She married first to James Black circa 1854, probably in Delaware Co., New York. He was born circa 1834 in Otsego Co., New York and he died in February 1863. They had children: William H. Black (1855-aft. 1867) Jeff Black (c. 1858-1860s) Joseph Judge Blackwell (1863-1943) md. Harriet Bell Hamilton There was apparently one additional child that died young. She was married second Isaac Wood sometime between 1863 and 1865, probably in New York. (He was born in 1828 in Pennsylvania 7 and died in 1896 in Erin, Chemung Co., New York 7. He is buried in the Scotchtown Cemetery, Erin, Chemung Co., New York.) They had the following children: Anna Eliza Wood (1865-1959) md. Charles Moore Andrew Wood (1867-1948) md. Cora Marilla Elston Arba Wood (1869-1870) Clara Ida Wood (1870-1953) md. Patrick Halpin Edith Wood (1874-1946) Floyd Isaac Wood (1874-1938) md. Deborah May Hollenbeck Wells Frank Wood (1876-1948) md. 1st. Jessie C. md. 2nd. Veva Geneva Harriet was born in Genesee County, Michigan, during the brief period that her family lived there. Some contemporary sources though indicate she was born in Delaware County, New York, which is where she was raised. In 1855, Harriet and her first husband were living in Tompkins, Delaware Co., New York; where she was not far from her family. Soon after this, they moved to Wayne County, Pennsylvania, where they were living in 1860 and 1862. In March 1862, James enlisted in the Civil War out of Pennsylvania, but was discharged 2 months later due to "disability". James died less than a year later, in February 1863. They had perhaps returned to his hometown of Cooperstown, Otsego Co., New York; where he was listed as a resident in later records. For unknown reasons, James' surviving son Joseph always used the last name Blackwell rather than their actual name Black. At some point between 1863 and 1865, Harriet had remarried to a widower named Isaac Wood and settled with him near Breesport in Erin, Chemung Co., New York. There, she was living near her sister Eliza and her brother James. They continued living in Erin for several more decades. After Isaac's death, Harriet moved to the city of Elmira, New York; where she died. Obituary, Elmira Daily Gazette and Free Press, Aug. 15, 1900: "OBITUARY. MRS. HARRIET M. WOOD. Mrs. Harriet M. Wood died at 2:15 o'clock yesterday morning at her home, No. 603 West Hill street, Elmira, aged sixty-five years. She is survived by seven children, viz: Mrs. Anna Moore, Mrs. Clara Halpin and Wells F. Wood of Elmira, Edith Wood and Andrew Wood of Horseheads, Floyd Wood and Mrs. Joseph Blackwell of Erin. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 at the Baptist church in Breesport; interment will be in the Scotchtown cemetery."
5	James Edgar* Winters was born in August 1839 3 in Genesee Co., Michigan or Delaware Co., New York. He died on May 16, 1918 in Elmira, Chemung Co., New York. He is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York. He married Louisa Jane Ells in about 1865. (She was born in September 1841 in New York 3 and died on May 20, 1914 in Elmira, Chemung Co., New York 8. She is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Horseheads, Chemung Co., New York.) They had the following children: Mildred A. Winters (1865-1929) md. Yuba Randall Joseph Edgar Winters (1868-1953) md. 1st Julia Electa Bailey (divorced) md. 2nd Ada Melissa May Grimes md. 3rd Ida Eliza Burrell, widow of Charles Albert Dimick Laura Bell Winters (1885-1970) md. George Washington Carson James first settled near his family in Delware County, New York. Sometime between 1864 and 1866, he moved to Chemung County, New York, where he remained. In Chemung County, he lived in both Erin and Horseheads town, before moving to the city of Elmira in his old age. During his life, James worked in various capacities as a farmer, laborer, miller and tanner. * James' middle name is listed as both Edgar and Edward in contemporary records, yet Edgar was the correct original name. Obituary, The Telegram [Elmira, NY], May 19, 1918: "DEATHS OF THE WEEK. ... JAMES E. WINTERS. James E. Winters, aged seventy-eight, died at the home of his son, Joseph Winters, at No. 267 West Second street this city, at 14:50 Thursday morning. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Yuba Randall, of Horseheads; Mrs. George Carson, of Elmira, and the son at whose home he died. The funeral was held from the home of the son at No. 367 West Second street at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Rev. D. W. S. Hooker officiated and burial was in the Maple Grove cemetery."
6	Andrew B. Winters was born circa 1842 in Tompkins, Delaware Co., New York 3. He died on November 20, 1865 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 6. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. Andrew served in the Civil War out of New York. He mustered out on June 8, 1865. He died five months later of unknown causes. A few researchers have proposed that his middle name was Brewer [Brower], which is certainly likely because that was his mother's maiden name - but no contemporary record actually provides a middle name for him.

They had no children.

Joseph married third to Martha P. Scofield, widow of Francis Bailie, sometime between 1871 and 1875. She was born on March 10, 1838 in Pennsylvania ¹⁹. She died in 1894 ⁶. She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York.

They had no children.

After Joseph's death, Martha married Luther Haynes.

3rd Generation: Alphonzo Winters was born on September 24, 1828 in Tompkins, Delaware County, New York 6,11,28. He died on March 2, 1911 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 6,12,28. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. Father: Joseph Cannon Winters Mother: Maria Brower Alphonzo Winters was probably named after Alphonzo Winters, 1805-1840, whose relationship is unknown (but was possibly his father's double-first cousin). He spent the majority of his youth in the town of Tompkins in Delaware County, New York, where the family probably lived in the vicinity of Cannonsville. In 1835, the family moved to Genesee County, Michigan. They did not remain there long and returned to Delaware County by 1840. In 1840, they were living in the town of Davenport, New York, probably on land owned by his maternal aunt, Eliza Smith. After this, his family moved back to the town of Tompkins where they rented land southeast of the village of Cannonsville. In 1847, at the age of 19, he began working as a farm laborer for neighboring farmers in the vicinity. In 1850, he was living on the farm of the Seymour family, just outside of Cannonsville. Meanwhile, Alphonzo began saving money to purchase a farm that could support a family. Alphonzo eventually began a relationship with a young woman from the village of Cannonsville named Jane Owens. In September of 1854, he and Jane Owens were married in Cannonsville. During the first year of marriage, they probably lived in a rented home in the vicinity or with his parents. In November 1851, Alphonzo purchased 286 acres in Tompkins for $300.00. Then in May 1855, he purchased 90 acres of land with a house and farm for $1,000.00. He and his family lived on this farm from 1855 until 1866. The farm was on the south bank of the West Branch of the Delaware River, about 2 or 3 miles east of the village of Cannonsville. In 1861, he sold 96 of his acres to his father Joseph Winters. On his farm, Alphonzo's crops included hay, oats, buckwheat, Indian corn, potatoes, beans and apples. He also kept cows for butter and sheep for wool. Meanwhile, Alphonzo was apparently saving money from the farm to engage in other pursuits. In March 1866, Alphonzo purchased two separate lots in the village of Cannonsville for $2,000.00. One of those lots apparently contained a shop and the other contained a house. The family moved there and Alphonzo began operating a general store business in the shop. However other sources indicate they moved to Cannonsville in 1864 11,28, so perhaps they rented briefly before purchasing property two years later in 1866. Then, in June 1866, Alphonzo sold the remainder of his farm for $2,500.00. In 1868, Alphonzo was given a store license. Alphonzo and his wife spent the remainder of their lives residing in the village of Cannonsville. Alphonzo successfully operated his general store business in the center of the village for over 40 years. In fact, he was still operating the business at the time he died at the age of 82 in 1911. Alphonzo frequently served as a juror. In 1878, he was elected as Town Clerk for the town of Tompkins. Alphonzo's wife Jane died in 1908 and later that year he wrote his will, in which he provided $100.00 to erect a tombstone for him and his wife. He also left $200 to his son George, $100 to each of his five grandchildren, and the residue of his estate to his three children. In 1910, Alphonzo was living with a widow named Mary Gregory. The extent of their relationship is unknown, but she had been his next door neighbor during the 1850s and 1860s. Alphonzo and his wife were buried in the Cannonsville Cemetery. In the early 1960s, their bodies were exhumed and reburied at the Oakwood Cemetery in Stilesville in anticipation of the flooding of the valley and creation of the Cannonsville Reservoir. When Alphonzo died, his funeral was preached by a Methodist minister, but it is not known which church(es) he was a member of during his lifetime. His wife was described as a longtime member of the Presbyterian church, while his daughter attended a Baptist church before her marriage, his son Gordon was a Presbyterian, and his son George was a Methodist. Walton Reporter, Mar. 11, 1911, Pg. 2: "Obituary. Alphonso Winters. (From Cannonsville correspondent.) Thursday morning, March 2, Alphonso Winters of Cannonsville passed from this life at the house he had occupied for nearly half a century. The funeral was largely attended Saturday, Rev. O. H. P. Armstrong conducting the services. Selections were sung by Mrs. R. R. Palmerton, Sanford Seymour and M. G. Springsteen. Interment in the village cemetery. Mr. Winters was the son of Joseph and Maria Winters, was born in this town 1828, Sept. 24. Later his parents went to Michigan where they lived for a few years, returning east they moved to Davenport, finally back to Cannonsville. Since a young man Mr. Winters has resided here. In 1854 he bought the farm now owned by Chas. Cayle. The same year, Sept. 7, he married Miss Mary Jane Owens, daughter of Major Owens of this place. In 1864 he bought the store where he has been in business alone (?) running a dry goods and grocery business until, owing to his advanced years, he closed out the dry goods (?) confinding his trade (?) groceries. Mr. Winters was strictly honest and upright in all his dealings, one of the few "whose word was as good as his bond." He was well known throughout this part of the county had many friends, won by his genial, social manner. His wife died three years ago. Two sons, Gordon of Cannonsville, George of Core, West Virginia, one daughter, Mrs. O. S. Wadleigh of Brooklyn; five grandchildren, Harley Winters of Collings?, California, Odin and Gerald Wadleigh Brooklyn, Miss Frances and Fred Winters of Core, West Virginia; two brothers, George of Cannonsville and Edgar of Cortland, survive him." He married Mary Jane Owens on September 7, 1854 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 11,13,28.

1	Gordon Owens Winters was born on October 29, 1855 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 11. He died on September 10, 1918 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 12,29. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. He married Katherine "Kittie" Lawson Colvin on December 18, 1881 in Masonville, Delaware Co., New York 31. (She was born in October 1857 in Masonville, Delaware Co., New York 3 and died on March 11, 1951 in Binghamton, Broome Co., New York 20. She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York.) They had no children. Gordon and Katherine lived in the area of Cannonsville, New York, for the duration of their lives. Gordon worked as a laborer in various occupations. Before her marriage, Katherine "Kate" worked as a school teacher. After Gordon died, she worked as a newspaper reporter/correspondent. Walton Reporter, Sep. 21, 1918, Pg. 2: "Gordon O. Winters. (From our Cannonsville cor.) Gordon Owens Winters, a life long resident of Cannonsville, died at his home on North street Tuesday afternoon, September 10th, in his 63rd year of age. For a long time he had been afflicted with heart trouble and hardening of the arteries. For the past two months it had been evident that the end was not remote. The funeral was held at his late home on Friday afternoon, Rev. F. W. Kirwins, rector of the Church of the Mediator at Edgewater, N.J., conducting services, assisted by Rev. F. West, pastor of the Cannonsville Presbyterian church. The casket was completely covered and surrounded with many and beautiful floral tributes from friends far and near. Interment was in the village cemetery. The bearers were L.E. Kipp, M. C. Joster, A. M. Gardinier, Harvey Hathaway, James Gregory and S. A. Benjamin. Mr. Winters is survived by his wife, who is the only child of the late Albert Colvin and wife of Masonville, whose family was among the early settlers of the town; one brother, G. C. Winters of Core, West Va.; a sister, Mrs. O. S. Wadleigh of Woodhaven, L.I. and other relatives. Mr. Winters was a life long Republican, always a loyal and conscientious worker for the success of his party, holding at various times offices of trust."
2	George Comfort Winters was born on June 28, 1858 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 11. He died on April 14, 1931 in Fish's Eddy, Hancock, Delaware Co., New York 23,30. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York. He married Sarah "Sadie" P. Swartwout on June 16, 1886 in Cannonsville, Delaware Co., New York 12. (She was born on September 18, 1862 in Hancock, Delaware Co., New York 21 and died on March 23, 1944 in Romney, Hampshire Co., West Virginia 21. She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Stilesville, Delaware Co., New York.) They had the following children: Harley Everett Winters (1886-1960) md. Ida Erma Schmidt Frances E. Winters (1888-1984) md. Ernest Michael Cordray Fredrick Alfonso Winters (1893-1942) md. Hattie Pearl Tennant George was postmaster of Cannonsville, New York from 1886 to 1889. In about 1890, he moved with his family to Monongalia Co., West Virginia, where he worked as an oil pumper. There, they lived for many years in or near the small town of Core. In 1921, George retired and they moved back to Delaware County, New York, where they settled at Fish's Eddy in the town of Hancock. In 1929, their house burned down and they lived briefly with their daughter in Morgantown, West Virginia until 1930 when they rebuilt their home in Fish's Eddy. After George's death, Sarah returned to West Virginia to live with her daughter Frances. Walton Reporter, Apr. 25, 1931, Pg. 8: "OBITUARY. George C. Winters. (From Cannonsville correspondent.) George C. Winters died at his home at Fishs Eddy Tuesday morning, Apr. 14, aged 71 years. He had been failing for some time but a few weeks before the end came he seemed to improve and was hopeful of regaining his health. A turn for the worse followed and he peacefully entered into eternal rest as stated. The funeral was largely attended at the church in Fishs Eddy the following Thursday. The remains were brought to Cannonsville for burial in the village cemetery. Deceased was a member of the Hancock lodge, F. & A. M., and members of the fraternity were casket bearers. The Masonic ritualistic service was given at the cemetery. Members of Deposit lodge were also in attendance. Mr. Winters was the last surviving member of the family of the late Alphonso and Jane Owens Winters, a family well known and respected in Tompkins township. George C. Winters was born in Cannonsville where his early life was lived. For many years he was employed by the Standard Oil Co. in their West Virginia field and was placed on the retired list a few years ago. Since then he had made his home at Fishs Eddy, last summer building a bungalow to replace his home destroyed by fire. He was a man of genial disposition and made friends in whatever community he lived; a kind neighbor and friend, an interested member of the church, honest and upright in all his dealings, a man whose word was as good as his bond. Surviving are his wife, who was his almost constant attendant during his illness, one daughter, Mrs. Ernest Cordray of Morgantown, W. Va., two sons, Harley E. of Long Beach, Cal., Fred of McKittric, Cal., and six grandsons."
3	Charlotte Frances Winters

Charlotte Frances Winters was born on January 25, 1861* in Cannonsville, Delaware County, New York ¹¹. She died on February 14, 1924 in Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York ¹⁵. Her remains are interred at US Columbarium, Middle Village, Queens Co., New York.

Father: Alphonzo Winters
Mother: Mary Jane Owens

She was named after her maternal grandmother, Charlotte Huyck Owens. She usually went by the pet name "Lottie." Although family history records her birth in Cannonsville, in actuality, she was probably born on the family farm which was in the rural town of Tompkins, about 2 or 3 miles east of Cannonsville. Charlotte lived with her family on their farm until about 1864. They probably moved to the village of Cannonsville where they rented for 2 years. In 1866, they sold the farm and purchased two lots in the village of Cannonsville. Her father opened a general store in the village, which he successfully operated for over 40 years until his death in 1911. In Cannonsville, the family were probably members of the Baptist church in town. Charlotte and her siblings most likely attended the school that was in the village. It can be assumed that Charlotte worked in the family store after finishing her education. It may have been while working there that she met a young man named Oscar Wadleigh who briefly lived in the nearby town of Franklin in the mid-1880s. Sometime before July 1886, he moved away from the area. By that time though, they had developed a relationship and eventually became engaged. In October 1886, Charlotte was described as his "lady friend" when he took her on a trip to visit his parents in New Hampshire. They were married on November 17, 1887 at her parents' home in Cannonsville.

Afterwards, they moved to Buffalo, New York where Oscar had acquired a job. They lived in Buffalo from 1887 to 1892 where they rented at least three different homes. Charlotte apparently traveled back to Cannonsville to give birth to her oldest child in her parents' home, in August 1888. In the summer of 1892, Charlotte and her family moved to Deposit, Delaware County, New York, where Oscar purchased and began operating a newspaper. A son Gerald was born there in 1893. They did not remain in Deposit for long. In 1895 they moved to Binghamton, Broome County, New York. In Binghamton, they rented at least five different homes before they purchased a house at 80 Mary Street in 1907. Eventually, Oscar's work compelled them to move yet again. In 1912, they moved to Brooklyn in New York City. Then in 1914, they moved to the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens where they purchased a house. Strangely, their house in Queens was purchased separately by Charlotte and was legally in her name. Charlotte died at the Peck Memorial Hospital in Brooklyn from the effects of pneumonia on February 14, 1924. She was 63 years old. Afterwards she was cremated and her remains were interred at the US Columbarium at Fresh Pond Crematorium in Queens.

Surviving records infer that one of Charlotte's passions was singing. She was apparently a very talented soprano, and put her talent to use singing for church choirs for most of her adulthood. It also seems that she played the violin in her adulthood. As an adult, Charlotte was a member of the Jolly Mystic Club (some sort of social organization) and of the Magnolia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (female version of the Masons). Her son Odin's diary from 1906 has survived, which contains several references to Charlotte. Charlotte appears to have been very close to her son Odin, often taking him out shopping, going on walks with him, or frequently writing letters to him after he moved away. Throughout 1906, she and Oscar frequently went to dances and other social events together. Charlotte apparently enjoyed traveling. During the year 1906, she had traveled at different times to Cannonsville, Sidney, and Buffalo, New York.

* There are discrepancies about Charlotte's date of birth. Munsell's 1880 History of Delaware County records her birth date as January 25, 1861. All census records before her marriage (1865, 1870, 1875, 1880) support an 1861 year of birth. Then, all census records after her marriage (1892, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915, 1920) support much later years of birth, in the 1860s or 1870s. On her death certificate as well as information handed down to her descendants, her date of birth is recorded as January 25, 1863. It appears that there being no proof or record of her 1861 birth, Charlotte lied about her birth date to make herself younger. She may have felt pressure to do this because her husband Oscar was four years younger than her.

For information on her children, see his page.