WINNIE, Menzo
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 311-312

Menzo WINNIE, deceased, who was for many years one of the most successful and 
influential farmers of Sauk County [WI], was born in Schoharie County, NY, 09 
Nov 1840, and died upon his farm near Reedsburg, Sauk County, WI, 14 Feb 
1892. His parents, Cornelius W. and Mary (CURE) WINNIE, were also natives of 
NY, and the former sprang from an old Holland family. At an early day they 
came to WI, and after a few years spent in Walworth County, took up their 
residence near Reedsburg, in Sauk County. The father selected a claim on the 
present site of Reedsburg, and walked to the land office at Mineral Point to 
enter it, only to find that it had been taken a short time before by other 
parties. He then secured another place on Copper Creek, about two miles east 
of the city, improved the same and lived thereon until his death, which 
occurred during the Civil war. His wife is still living at the old home near 
Reedsburg, at the age of 93 years, and is still very active in mind and keeps 
well posted on current news. She possesses a retentive memory, and well 
remembers the War of 1812, though it occurred when she was a mere child, her 
home at that time being near Stamford, Delaware County, NY. Her father was a 
soldier in that struggle.

Menzo WINNIE was a small boy when he came with his parents to Sauk County and 
here grew to manhood amid pioneer scenes. He mainifested his partriotism and 
love of country by enlisting in the fall of 1861 in Company A, 19th WI 
Volunteer Infantry, and after two years of arduous and faithful service was 
honorably discharged on account of illness early in 1864. After his return 
home he continued to live upon the farm with his mother for about four years, 
and then purchased a farm near it, comprising 160 acres in Excelsior Township 
[Sauk County, WI], to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his 
energies for a number of years. He gave some attention to stock raising, and 
also [p 312] bought and shipped considerable livestock. He was an 
enthusiastic horseman, a very successful farmer, and an upring and 
conscientious citizen. From Excelsior Township he removed to the old GARDNER 
farm in Reedsburg Township [Sauk County, WI], on which he built a brick 
residence, and made many other improvements which added greatly to its value 
and attractive appearance; it was supplied with every convenience found upon 
a model farm of the present century. It was upon this place that he spent 
his last days.

On 28 Mar 1867 Mr. WINNIE maried Miss Percis M. GARDNER, a native of Erie 
County, NY, and a daughter of Henry and Maria (GREEN) GARDNER. During her 
infancy she was brought by her parents to WI, but the family afterward lived 
in Stephenson County, IL, and is was not until 1856 that they came to Sauk 
County WI], though the father had located a farm near Reedsburg [Sauk County, 
WI] the previous summer. Later he went to Fort Knox, KS [Fort Knox, Hardin 
County, KY?], where he died 24 Feb 1893, aged 80 years, and his wife passed 
away at the same place 12 Jun 1894, aged 78. To our subject and his wife 
were born two children: (1) Alma E., who was successfully engaged in 
teaching in the Reedsburg high school for three years; and (2) Ernest G., 
who is engaged in farming near Reedsburg [Sauk County, WI].

Mr. WINNIE was always in touch with the latest devopment and improvement in 
agricultural methods, and was well informed on general matters. He spent 
more or less time in travel, had "washed his hands in both the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans," and gained an excellent knowledge of men and affairs which 
only travel can bring. On his numerous trips he was acompanied by his 
estimable wife. He was always actively interested in public affairs; was a 
member of the Reedsburg Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, of which he was 
secretary for some years; also aided in the organization of H. A. Tator Post, 
G. A. R., of Reedsburg, and was interested in Reedsburg Old Settlers' 
Association, of which we was an active and prominent member. Though not 
identified with any religious organization, he attended and supported the 
Methodist church. Politically he supported the principles of the Republican 
party, and was a member of the Reedsburg township board of supervisors for a 
number of years. No citizen of Sauk County had more friends or was held in 
higher regard.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly