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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of John WINCHEL 

Transcribed exactly according to the original complete text by Mary Moeller. 


SURNAMES: WINCHEL, SCHICK, ATHEY, MCKEE, DUNN, HORWICK

pages: 1172-1173

WINCHEL, John - None of the pioneer tillers of the soil of Fulton County, Ill., has made a more enviable record, or gained, from seventy years of residence, a higher reputation than John Winchel, who was born on February 5, 1836, in Isabel Township, where he still lives. He is the son of Solomon and Mary (Schick) Winchel, natives, respectively of Connecticut and North Carolina. At a very early period the father emigrated from New England to the latter state, and there wedded the lady of his choice. By reason of service in the War of 1812, Solomon Winchel received a land warrant from the Government, and entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the southwest quarter of Section 16, Isabel Township, Fulton County, where he was engaged in farming until his death in 1862.
    
Solomon Winchel and his wife were the parents of six sons and six daughters, of whom three, one son and two daughters, are still living, namely: John; Nancy (Mrs. Athey), a resident of Lewistown Township, Fulton County; and Mary, who lives in Davis County, Iowa, and is the widow of Marion McKee, who died of Bright's disease. The mother of this family passed away in 1862. 
    
In youth the subject of this sketch received his educational training in the district schools. He remembers well the deer and wild game that abounded throughout the region. He recalls the fact that the pioneers not only assisted each other in emergencies, but were ready to turn out and lend a hand on all occasions of sports and merry recreations. One's amusement was often the entertainment of all, and all freely joined when once the fun began. Selfishness was not displayed as commonly as now. The dangers, hardships and privations seemed to link the settlers in a natural fraternity. When often indulging in retrospection, the old times rise up before him, and he longs to gather the family again around the old fireplace in the primitive log cabin. 
    
In 1873, Mr. Winchel bought eighty acres in Section 17, Isabel Township, where he has since made his home. He has not only witnessed, but taken an active part in the great changes that have occurred in Fulton County since 1835. He looks in vain for the many who have passed away, and finds but few left to tell the story of the old wooden plow, with seven or eight yoke of oxen, as it turned up the wild prairie land.
    
On March 17, 1859, Mr. Winchel was united in marriage with Eliza A. Dunn, a daughter of William and Malinda (Horwick) Dunn, natives of Tennessee, who emigrated thense to Indiana, later removing to Fulton County, Ill., where they spent the remainder of their days. After the death of Mr. Dunn, his widow made her home with Mr. Winchel until her death. 
    
In politics Mr. Winchel has always been a staunch supporter of the Republican party, having cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has always taken an active, interest in all measures intended to promote the welfare of the township and county, and has been recognized by all as one of the most useful and public-spirited citizens of the community. He has held the office of School Director, in which he rendered faithful and efficient service.