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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, 1887Winter Family - JOHN C. WINTER BiographyJohn C. Winter, a member of one of the most important industrial enterprises of the city of Williamsport, and one which has largely contributed to the prosperity of the community, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Loyalsock township, Lycoming county, on the Blooming Grove road, about three miles south of Williamsport, August 24, 1868. His paternal grandfather, John Winter, was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and came to the United States in 1832, in company with his brothers, Martin and Michael, intent upon making a home in a land where they could live in the enjoyment of religious and political freedom, and enjoy in the fullest the fruits of their labors and the rearing of their families to all the privileges of liberty. He purchased a farm near Loyalsockville, on the creek from which the village takes its name, and was known as an industrious and successful farmer. He was of limited education, but a man of sterling Christian character, a member of the Evangelical church, and he was an efficient aid in the cause of morality and religion. He died about 1848. He married Mary Zern, and to them were born Barbara, Christina, John, Mary, Martin, Harriet, Frederick and Abraham. John Winter, third child and eldest son of John and Mary (Zern) Winter, was born November 6, 1832, at Loyalsockville, where the parents had that year located, having just emigrated from Germany. He was of limited education, but an intelligent and exemplary man. After his marriage he purchased a farm (on which John C Winter was born) and cultivated it during the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Evangelical denomination, and was one of the few who were instrumental in founding what is now known as the Eagle congregation. He was held in high regard by his neighbors, and was called to various township offices. During the Civil war he was drafted for military service, and had made his preparations to leave his family for the time when came the news of Lee's surrender, and the quota with which he was drawn was released from service. His readiness to serve his country finds recognition frequently on Memorial Day, when a national flag is placed upon his grave. He died November 28, 1881. February 22, 1855, at Liberty, Tioga county, he was married to Christina Shambacher, Rev. W. H. Berry performing the ceremony. She was born January 20, 1833, at Hepburn, Lycoming county, and died January 8, 1903, at her home near Williamsport, having lived a widow twenty-two years. She became acquainted with Mr. Winter at the home of " Grandfather Harmen," who lived in Blooming Grove. She was a devoted Christian mother, and after the death of her husband managed the farm with much success, and gave careful training to her fatherless children. She came of an excellent family. Her father, Leonard Shambacher, came from Wurtemberg, Germany, with his parents, in 1815, when he was eighteen years old, the family coming in the quest for freedom, which characterized so large and excellent a German emigration of that day, when all who sought these shores were honest homeseekers and not vicious and degraded parasites and defiers of law and order. Leonard Shambacher was a farmer by occupation, at Liberty, Tioga county. In 1830 he married a Miss Hyde, and to them were born : Margaret, Christina, Mary, Kate, Charles, who was a soldier during the Civil war and died in Washington, while in service; and Jacob, who was also in the army, serving with the rank of first lieutenant; he is now in the insurance business in Ridgeway, Elk county, Pennsylvania. Of these children, Christina was the wife of Leonard Shambacher. To John and Christina (Shambacher) Winter were born the following children 1. Charles F., born March 14, 1857, who is a millwright with headquarters at Malvern, Arkansas. 2. Mary M., born December 8, 1858, now the wife of J. Ball, and residing two miles north of Montoursville, on the old Scott farm. 3. Samuel W., born October 7, 186O, died September 2, 1873. 4. Margaret C., born April 24, 1863, now the wife of William Rice, residing two miles north of Williamsport, on the Blooming Grove road. 5. Abraham Lincoln, born November 23, 1864, who resides on a farm just south of Montoursville. 6. Sarah Elizabeth, born October 22, 1866, residing two miles north of Williamsport, on the Blooming Grove road. 7. John Calvin, born August 24, 1868, to be further mentioned hereinafter. 8. Louisa H., born September 5, 1870, now the wife of Rev. H. M. Torrey, and residing at 204 South Spruce street, Nashville, Tennessee. 9. Laura Emma, born August 26, 1873. 10. Annie May, born December 25, 1875, now Mrs. B. S. Bower, residing on the Winter homestead, near Williamsport, on the Blooming Grove road. 11. William Edward, born March 6, 1878, now a student at the Moody school in Mt. Hermon, Massachusetts. John C. Winter, seventh child and fourth son of John and Christina (Shambacher) Winter, made his home upon the parental farm until he was eighteen years of age. His father died when he was thirteen, and he and an elder brother of seventeen assumed much of the labor and many of the cares in carrying on the farm and otherwise aiding their mother in the support of the family, and it was through this that he developed those traits of persistency and industry which afforded him an equipment for his subsequent useful and successful career. -He acquired a thorough common school education, at the same time forming habits of reading and observation which further developed his character. At the age of eighteen he began carpentry, and became in turn an accomplished mechanic, a capable foreman, a contractor and an architect, each step marked by increasing success. 1-le began contracting, in a small way, in partnership with J. C. Schmoll, and subsequently entered into association with Jacob Neff in the business which they now conduct. Operating a planing mill and workshops at 1001 Market street, Williamsport, on the site of the entrance to the " Old Fair Grounds," they carry on a general contracting and building business, producing their own building materials, and giving employment to several crews of workmen, they themselves designing and superintending every description of architectural work. The fruits of their labors are visible in the many ornamental edifices, business and residential, which adorn the city, and have given it the modern air which attracts the gratified attention of the visitor. December 2, 1902, they were incorporated under the name of Vallamont Building and Planing Mill Co. Mr. Winter is owner of considerable real estate in various parts of the city. He is deeply interested in all pertaining to the interests of the community, and is among the foremost in the advancement of every worthy enterprise. His interest in educational affairs is marked, and for some time he rendered efficient aid to Albright College as a member of its board of trustees. He is a member of the United Evangelical church, and attends services at the First Church of Williamsport, and is an active member of the congregation. Mr. Winter married. March 10, 1892, at Williamsport, Miss Mary Elizabeth Glosser, the Rev. H. A. Benfer performing the ceremony. Her parents, Peter and Hannah (Williamson) Glosser, reside on a farm in Loyalsock township. Her father is a member of the United Evangelical church; he is a Democrat in politics and has held a number of local offices. Her grandfather Williamson was a successful farmer, and an influential and highly respected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Winter are the parents of three children : Harry, born December 19, 1893; Ora, March 24, 1897; Wilber, May 19, 1900. The family occupy one of the most beautiful residential properties in the northern part of Williamsport. Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Lycoming County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1906. |
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