John M. Winfrey

John M. Winfrey - is the minister of the Baptist Church, and his history is one of interest. His father, Leroy, was born a free man, but there was no record kept of the family births, and after his father’s (grandfather of the subject of this sketch) death, they were all sold into slavery, Leroy being sold four times. He was granted his liberty in 1852, and landed in Ohio on September 28th of that year. He is living in Latty township, at present, and very aged. John M. was married to Susannah Bass, daughter of Eliza Mitchell. His children by this marriage are: William, born February 16, 1855; Mary Ellen, April 20, 1846, died September, 1873; Asenath Delph, December 1, 1857, died January 7, 1874; Fanny Etta, September 3, 1859; Philena, May 8, 1861; Sally R., April 13, 1863; Effie Jane, August 17, 1866; John George, December 2, 1868. His wife died September 25, 1873. His second wife is Sarah T., daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Evans) Jones, whose birth occurred in Greene county, Ohio, January, 1830. Her mother died in Van Wert; her father died in Clinton county, Ohio. Mr. Winfrey was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, March 1, 1832, and settled in Paulding county in 1867. He was a member of the 4th Maryland Regiment, enlisting in 1865. He was at the battle in front of Petersburg, Siege of Richmond, was at Fort Fisher; and received his discharge at Newbern, North Carolina. He is now a farmer and minister, for which latter service he does not receive any remuneration. His wife is a member of his church. Address, Pleasant Point, Paulding county, Ohio.