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HARRIS WINTERRINGER,
a retired farmer residing in Mason, was born on the 1st of June, 1822, near Mt. Vernon, in Knox County, Ohio,
and is of French and Dutch descent. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject were natives of
Pennsylvania, and followed farming in that State, where the latter, Jacob Baker, died. The former, Jesse Winterringer,
died in Knox County, Ohio, when nearly one hundred years of age. The parents of our subject, Thomas and Catherine
(Baker) Winterringer, were both natives of the Keystone Stale, but in early childhood removed to Ohio, where they
were married. He became the owner of a large farm and acquired quite a handsome property. In 1853, he came to Illinois
and located in Mason, where he lived retired until his death in 1863, at the age of seventy-one years. His career
was a prosperous one, and by his own unaided efforts he won a well-merited success. His wife survived him two years,
passing away at the age of sixty eight. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected
citizens.
They
had a family of five sons and three daughters, but only three are now living: Harris, of this sketch; Sarah, wife
of Andrew Bailey; and Melvina, wife of Ambrose Kimbert.
We
now take up the personal history of our subject, who spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's
farm, attending the common schools during the winter season, and working at home during the summer months. On the
26th of March, 1848, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary J. Bailey, daughter of Robert
and Sarah (Hammond) Bailey. Both were natives of Pennsylvania, but the father was of Irish lineage. Seven children
graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Winterringer. Sarah E., the only daughter and the eldest child, became the wife
of John Bains, of Mason, and they had two sons and two daughters, but only one, Jennie, is now living. Mr. Bains
died in the fall of 1872, and his widow subsequently married Christopher H. Rehling, of Mason. They have four children,
all yet living: Crissie, Katie, Dora and Stella. Franklin A., the eldest son of our subject, died at the age of
eight years. William A., who wedded Miss Amanda Smith, resides with his wife and three children, Maud, Harry and
John, on a farm near Mason. Carrington R., who married Miss Alice Oberlin, by whom he has five children, Delmer,
Gale, Ethel, Eva and Elmer, is living on a farm near Arcola. Elmer W. married Miss Ida Hobbs, of Mason, and they
reside in Arcola. Louis W. is at home; and John R. married Miss Flora Craver, of Mason. They have one child, a
son.
Having
determined to try his fortune in the West, Mr. Winterringer emigrated to Illinois in 1853, and located on a farm
in Mason Township, Effingham County, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land. He resided thereon until 1868,
and with the exception of the eldest and youngest, all of his children were there born. In 1868, he removed with
his family to Nebraska City, Neb., where he spent two years, returning in 1870, since which time he has lived in
Mason. He was an enterprising and energetic agriculturist, and by his industry and good management he won a considerable
competence. Since coming to Mason he has sold his farm, but owns in the village a good home, together with eight
town lots. During his residence here he has worked up a trade as a carpenter, which he still follows to some extent,
notwithstanding his advanced age.
During
the late war, Mr. Winterringer manifested his loyalty to the Government by entering the service of his country.
In the fall of 1861, he donned the blue and became a member of Company E, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, in which
he served for about two years, when he was discharged for disability. He took part in the battles of New Madrid
and Corinth, and in a number of skirmishes. He was always found at his post of duty and proved himself a valiant
soldier. He is now a member of Ransom Post No. 99, G. A. R., and in politics is a Republican, but has never been
an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, and to the enjoyment of
home life. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their sterling worth and many excellencies
of character have won them high regard and gained them the good-will and confidence of a large circle of friends
and acquaintances.
Portrait
and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago:
Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 489. Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards.
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