Ira P. Winter, retired farmer and one of the pioneers of Clayton County, was born in Waterloo, Seneca County, N.Y., on the 30th day of October, 1818. His father, Jacob Winter, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was shot through the body near Fort Erie. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Jacob Winter married Sarah Preston in Seneca County, N.Y., about 1817. They had a family of three sons and two daughters. In July, 1852, he emigrated to Clayton County, where he remained until his death, which occurred in April, 1855. The mother followed him in August, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Winter were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the former being Class-Leader for many years, and did much in building up the same in this township. Ira P. was reared on his father's farm and received a liberal education. On Feb. 28, 1838, he married Nancy M. Hinman, a daughter of John Hinman and Polly, nee Clark. She was born in Erie County, N.Y., Jan. 1, 1821. Their union has been blessed with four children-- Percilla L., wife of H.H. Ladd; Sarah C., wife of Richard M. Slitor; Frank F., who married Cordelia Alexander, and Virginia F., wife of Alvin L. Alexander. Mr. Winter came to the county in 1852, and has resided on his present place thirty years. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. In 1867 he was appointed Deputy Treasurer, filling the place with honor for three years. Also was Deputy Collector, and has held other local offices. Mr. Winter had one son in the Union army, Frank F.,
who served in the Second Iowa Cavalry, Company F. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1068 |