Winch, William, 1841-1923

WINCH, WISE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/22/2017 at 20:24:52

From the Boyden Reporter, November 1, 1923:

William Winch, Sr., Dead

Wm. Winch, formerly a resident of this community, died at his home in LeMars, Iowa, on Monday of this week. Interment was made in the Boyden cemetery today, Thursday, at 1:00 p.m. Deceased was 83 years of age at the time of his death, Besides his wife, he leaves three sons and one daughter to mourn his death. The children are George of George, Ia.; Charles of California; William Jr. of Nebraska; and Mrs. Neal Dunnick of Boyden, Iowa. All of them were present at the funeral.

Mr. Winch was well and favorably known to many people in this immediate vicinity, having formerly resided on a farm just west of town. After retiring from active farm work, he moved to LeMars, where he has since lived.

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From the Sioux County Index (Hull), November 2, 1923:

WM. WINCH DIES

Mr. Wm. Winch, formerly of this place, died at his home in Le Mars Tuesday. He suffered a severe stroke of paralysis early last week and passed away without regaining consciousness. The funeral will be held this Thursday, and interment will be made in the Boyden Cemetery, beside other members of Mr. Winch's family.

The Winch family was one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, and were highly respected and it is with much sorrow that we chronicle the death of this fine old gentleman. Mr. Winch was one of the few survivors of the civil war, a Grand Army of the Republic member and while a resident here a faithful member of Cottrell Post, No. 76, Hull, Iowa.

The sincere sympathy of all their old time friends is extended to the bereaved relatives.

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From the Boyden Reporter, November 8, 1923:

OBITUARY OF WM. WINCH

William Winch was born on the 11th day of September, 1841, in Wardorf, Germany, and died on the 29th day of October, 1923, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 18 days. Seventy-one years ago at the age of 11 years, in company with his father, brothers and sisters, he came to America and founded for himself a new home.

On the 11th day of August, 1865, he was married to Miss Catherine Wise, who shared his cares and joys for 58 years. To them nine children were born, of which one son, Henry, preceded his father into the beyond 42 years ago. Surviving him are his widow, and the following children: Mrs. Mary S. Gasser, of Sioux City, Ia.; Wm. F. Winch, of Homer, Neb.; Mrs. Catherine Williams, who lived with her parents in their home; Mrs. Bertha Olson and Charles Winch of Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. Clara Dunnick, of Boyden, Ia.; Dr. Geo. Winch, of George, Ia.; and Mrs. Edith Gilliland, of Eagle Pass, Texas; all being present today except Mrs. Gilliland who could not come. Besides his family he leaves 19 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Mr. Winch was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hull, Iowa, for many years. Prayer meetings, church services and official board meetings always found Father Winch in his place of duty. About 5 years ago his membership was transferred to LeMars M. E. church.

Mr. Winch enlisted with the Ohio Infantry Volunteers, 55th Regiment, Company K, on the 13th day of November, 1861, serving 3 years and 8 months, receiving his discharge from service on the 11th day of July, 1865. He was an active member of the G.A.R. Cotrell Post at Hull, Ia., until about 5 years ago when he transferred his membership to Mower Post at LeMars, Ia.

Father Winch was an honest, industrious man, a good provider for his family, a true husband and a most loving father. He was of hospitable disposition, whose hand was always out to help somebody in need. During his later years he often expressed a longing to leave this earthly tabernacle, as his strength was fast failing, until on the 29th day of October, 1923, this desire was gratified, when God touched him with his finger and he fell quietly asleep in Jesus, but not until a beautiful life was lived, a notable example of patience, fidelity to truth and faith, were given, and not until visions of a Heavenly life, in Christ Jesus, had cheered and illuminated the Valley of the Shadow, when his book of life was sealed.--Contributed.