My Genealogy Hound

THADDEUS R. WINN, a wagon-maker in the town of Fayette, and one of the most respected citizens, has for many years been connected with its interests. He is widely known throughout the county, and we feel assured that this record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers.

A native of this state, our subject was born in Jerusalem, Yates County, July 27, 1829, his parents being Webster and Phebe (Pierson) Winn. His paternal grandfather was born in New Jersey, whence he afterward removed to the Empire State and made this section his home for the remainder of his life. His son, the father of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, rendering valuable aid during the entire period of hostilities. Thaddeus R. bears the distinction of being the only soldier of the Civil War, of this county, whose father was a Revolutionary soldier. Soon after peace was established, Webster Winn located in Yates County, N. Y., on a good tract of land. He was a shoemaker by trade, following this business for many years, besides superintending the operations of his new farm.

While Thaddeus R. was a small boy, his parents disposed of their property in Yates County, and came by wagon and team to Seneca County, locating in the town of Tyre, where the father followed shoemaking until advanced in years. He was twice married, becoming the father of a very large family, and lived to the remarkable age of ninety-two years, dying at the home of his son-in-law, who was then living twelve miles from Rochester, near Churchville, Monroe County, in which locality he was buried.

The parents of our subject being in limited circumstances, and the family being very large, Thaddeus was bound out to a farmer when ten years of age. His life was made very miserable by the treatment which he received, and after two years of ill-usage he ran away, making his home with another farmer, with whom he remained for several years, or until nineteen years of age. He then began to look out for himself and worked for wages, learning the wagon-maker’s trade. After serving an apprenticeship of two years, he worked as a journeyman in Seneca County, and in this manner made a good living.

Mr. Winn and Elizabeth Saeger were married in 1854. The latter was born in the town of Layette, this county, and was a daughter of Daniel and Barbara (Miller) Saeger. In 1861 Mr. Winn erected a large wagon-shop on the farm where his wife was born and reared, and was here residing, when, in February, 1864, he determined to do what he could to aid in the preservation of the Union. Accordingly he enlisted in Company K, Fiftieth New York Engineers, and with the members of his corps was engaged in building bridges through Virginia. During the months which followed he had many narrow escapes from death, but at the expiration of his term of service returned home unharmed. Later he resumed work at his trade, and has followed it ever since.

To Mr. and Mrs. Winn there has been born a son, Joseph, who has never enjoyed good health, however, and is at present living at home with his father. Mr. Winn reserves the right to vote for the man who in his judgment will best fill the office in local elections, but when voting for President is a strong Republican. He is a member of the Adventist Church. A man of unswerving honesty, his word is considered as good as his bond, and the confidence of the entire community is his.