Biographical Sketch of Josiah L. Winfrey, Camden County, Missouri

>From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, 
Pulaski, Phelps and Dent Counties, Missouri" The Goodspeed Publishing
Company, 1889.
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Josiah L. Winfrey, a prominent stock farmer of this community, was born
within six miles of where he now lives, on what is known as Conn's 
Creek (named after his grandfather), on the 12th of February, 1838, his
parents being James M. and Eleanor M. (Conn) Winfrey, who were Tenn-
esseeans, and his grandfather being also James M. Winfrey, and a native
of Tennessee.  The latter moved to Kentucky with his family in the 
early part of the 30's, and located on the Wet Auglaize, near the mouth
of Brumley Creek, where he lived until 1863, in which year he died.  He
was twice married, but had no family by his second wife.  His first 
union was blessed in the birth of seven children, two of whom are now
living: Thomas and William C., both of whom are living in Miller Co.,
Mo., the former being a Predestinarian Baptist minister.  James M.
Winfrey, the father of our subject, was only a lad when brought to
Missouri, but remained with his parents until grown, then married and
located on Conn's Creek, but being of a rather roving disposition, 
remained here but a short time, and until about 1848 or 1849 resided on
an improved good farms in Dallas, Polk, Camden and Miller counties.  He
then located on the farm where his widow now resides, and there died on
March 13, 1863, having been a member of the Osage Regiment of Missouri
Home Guards, United States Army.  His wife was born in 1829, being a
daughter of Josiah Conn, who was a Tennesseean.  He moved from his 
native state to Alabama, where he taught school, but at an early day
removed to Missouri, locating on the prairie which afterward took the
name of Conn's Creek.  He taught school after coming to Missouri, and
also preached the Gospel and farmed.  Four of his eight children are
now living: Eleathea, Eleanor M., Peggie and Josiah J.  To James M. and
Eleanor Winfrey were born the following family: Josiah L., William C.,
Benjamin E., Sarah E., Eleathea, Zilpha, James M., Thomas L., Penning-
ton, John C., Marshal C. and Francis T.  Benjamin, Eleathea and 
Pennington are deceased.  Josiah L. Winfrey was reared in his native
county, and served during the Rebellion in Company C, Osage Regiment
Missouri Home Guards, as sergeant for about six months, and was then
taken to Jefferson City to guard that city.  He afterward served as 
orderly sergeant in Company C, Forty-eighth Missouri State Militia, and
during the war purchased the farm where he now lives, on which he has
resided since peace was declared.  He was elected county assessor in 
the fall of 1872, which position he held four years, taking the census
of 1876, and has held the office of justice of the peace a number of
years, being the present incumbent of that office.  At one time he was
engaged in selling goods at Montreal, Mo., and in 1859 took the "gold
fever" and made a trip to Pike's Peak, but did not remain there long.
January 10, 1861 he was married to Rebecca M. Amos, who was born in
Alabama, and came to Missouri with her parents in 1857.  Her death 
occurred August 21, 1882, she having become the mother of eight child-
ren, seven of whom are living: Mary E., Valonia J., Rebecca M., Eliza
E., Melissa S., Sarah A., Josiah L. and Zilpha J.  Josiah L., the only
son, died at the age of eleven months.  Mr. Winfrey was married the 
second time July 23, 1885, to Melvina C. Carlton, whose maiden name 
was George.  She was a daughter of Ira H. George, and was born in 
Russell County, Ky., coming to Missouri in 1850, when she was nine 
years old.  By her first husband, Milton, who died in 1859, she became
the mother of two children: Eveline E. and William R.  Her second hus-
band, Franklin S. Carlton, died September 22, 1882, and left four
children, all deceased but one, Merinda I.  John H., Sarah A. and an
infant are deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Winfrey have one of the handsomest
homes in the county.  They are members of the church, Mr. Winfrey being
also a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R., being Past
Commander of Montreal Lodge No. 342.  In his political views he is a
stanch Republican.

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