WILLIAM B. WINTER, a young and prosperous farmer of Donegal township, is a native of the same, born February 1, 1854, on the farm of his father, David B. Winter. His great-grandfather, Christopher Winter, was born in Rhine-Pfalz, Germany, and immigrated to America, locating in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn. A log cabin home was soon erected in the wilderness, and he was united in marriage with Catherine Schaeffer, living near Washington, Penn. The Indians were then numerous and very hostile, and oftentimes compelled the adventurous pioneer to flee for life, while the savages ruthlessly burned or plundered the desolated homes. But, nothing daunted, these "pale-faced" heroes of the forest struggled on, and established their home in the face of innumerable dangers and obstacles. Mr. and Mrs. Winter died on their pioneer farm, leaving their children to finish the work so bravely begun. David Winter was born on the home farm in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and worked on his father's farm, attending the subscription schools during the winter months. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Perry McCoy, also of Donegal township, and the following children were born to them: David B., and Elizabeth Margaret (deceased wife of Alexander Wyeth). After his marriage Mr. Winter built a residence near that of his father, and farmed successfully. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife were buried near the scene of their labors. David B. Winter was born November 1, 1823, in the old house, which is but a short distance from his present comfortable home. He passed his youth attending the common schools and assisting in the farm duties. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of William Bryson, of Donegal township, this county, and to them were born children as follows: Elizabeth, Hannah (deceased), David A., William B., Joseph, Nancy, Alice, Mary (deceased), and John F. (deceased in infancy). Mrs. Winter died, and in the year 1866 Mr. Winter was married to Sarah, daughter of William Milligan, of East Finley township, this county, and they have two children: George K. and Eudora, both of whom are residing with their parents. Some years after his marriage Mr. Winter removed from the home farm, and erected a handsome residence on an adjoining piece of land, which is his present home. He has always been a successful farmer, and in political life was a Democrat until the year 1860, when he voted for Lincoln, and has since been an enthusiastic worker in the Republican party. He contributes regularly to the Dutch Fork Baptist Church, of which he and his wife are members. William B. Winter worked on his father's farm and attended the common schools during his minority. On December 15, 1881, he was married to Barbara Clemens, who was born June 6, 1856, daughter of George and Margaret Jane (Crow) Clemens. They have had three children, namely: Elizabeth W. J., Selina C. and Ethel Mary W. During the first years of his married life Mr. Winter lived on some rented property, and followed farming. In 1886 he purchased a farm which adjoins that of the birthplace of himself, his father and grandfather. Mr. Winter is a modern scientific farmer, and also gives considerable attention to wool growing. Politically he is a Democrat, and well informed in the current questions of the day. He and his wife are members of the U. B. Church, in which he is both steward and trustee.

Text taken from page 893 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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