Winn, John Sr.

John Winn Sr.
May 9, 1840-Jan. 21, 1912

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, Jan. 22, 1912, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., a highly respected pioneer citizen of Niles township, died very suddenly last night while at the barn on the old homestead with his son, John.
    He had spent the day at his son's and seemed to be in fine spirits and health, having eaten a hearty dinner.
    About 5 o'clock the father and son went out to the barn to see after the stock and in the barn they became separated for a few moments. The elder man was not out of his son's sight for more than two or three minutes and it was a great shock therefore when John Jr. came upon the body of his parent, who he left in such good spirits a few moments before, lying apparently lifeless upon the floor of the barn.
    Death came instantly to the elder man and is attributed to organic heart trouble, from which he had complained for several years.
    The deceased was native of Germany and had he lived until next May he would have been seventy-two years of age.
    He came to America when he was sixteen and for a time lived in Canada. He then came to Berrien county and on March 11, 1866, he was married after a short courtship to Miss Fanny Foster of Niles township. His bride was a member of the well known Foster family and was a sister of Robert, John and George Foster. Her death occurred on June 6, 1911.
    To this union three children were born, two sons, George and John Jr., both residents of Niles township, surviving.
    John Winn, Sr., was a successful farmer and was accounted one of the best stock men in the township.
    He bought the farm where he died, and which is now owned by his son John, about thirty-six years ago.  Following his wife's death last year he had made his home with his sons and this winter had been living with his son, George.
    Besides his sons, he is survived by one brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo. He had no other known relatives in this country.
    There are also three grandchildren, Fanny May, Lester F., and Frances Lucille Winn.
    Deceased was a good neighbor and a man of kindly nature, who was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need or distress.
    While he was a Democrat in politics he was never an office seeker or holder and was content to live quietly and attend to his duties as a farmer and stock raiser.
    The funeral services will be held at the home of his son, John Winn, Jr., Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock and the remains will be brought to Niles for burial beside those of his wife at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 22, 1912, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., aged 71 years, died suddenly about 5 o'clock yesterday from heart failure.  Mr. Winn had been making his home of late with his son, Geo. F. Winn, but yesterday he spent the day with another son, John J. Winn.
    He has been in good health lately, with the exception of what was supposed to be a slight affliction of the heart, and yesterday was apparently feeling in the best of health, eating a good dinner and enjoying the visit with his son and family.  About 5 o'clock in the afternoon he went with his son to one of their adjoining farms to feed the stock. It was while thus employed that he was suddenly stricken.  Mr. Winn was born in Germany and came to America when 16 years of age, while his residence in Michigan covers a period of about 40 years years, which he devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and stock raising.  He was married to Miss Fannie Foster, a native of Niles township, March 11, 1866, who passed away June 6 last.  He leaves a brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo, two sons, Geo. F. and John J. and three grandchildren, Fannie Mae, Lester F. and Francis Lucile Winn, all of Niles township.
    After a long, busy and useful life, he died as he had lived--honored, trusted and loved.  He reared his own monument while he lived in the hearts of all who knew him.  His life was completed, if work all done and well done constitutes completion.  The funeral services will be held at the late home Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.