This summer, notable citizens continued to fall, not spring, from the Winter branch of my family tree.
Edward Henry Winter, my 2nd cousin, 3x removed, was the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. Elected in 1928 after a successful stint as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, he would serve only one term before making a run for governor. That was not meant to be, however, as he lost in a landslide defeat to Democrat Guy B. Park of Platte City, Missouri in 1932.
Edward’s career in politics was a bit… accidental. At age 17 he survived the tornado that swept through the St. Louis area in 1896. But he sustained crippling injuries while helping to rebuild the house where he and his 13 siblings lived. Unable to contribute to the care of the family farm, he was sent off to college where he studied journalism. His work in newspapers got him noticed, so to speak, which led to his career in politics. I am being a bit selfish but that was the best worst tornado ever.
In 1905, Edward went to work for the fledgling Warrenton Banner newspaper. In 1910, after turning the newspaper around and buying out its rivals, he gained control of it. The newspaper would continue to be published until 1968 – 37 years after his death. I am very grateful to Cousin Edward as I am constantly turning to the Warrenton Banner for information about the throngs of relatives I have who lived in and around Warrenton, Missouri. I can’t image trying to research them without it.
Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 2nd cousin, 3x removed
Common ancestors: Edwin’s great grandparents, Anton and Catharina (Bracht) Winter, are my 4th great grandparents
References:
Centennial History Of Missouri (The Center State); One Hundred Years In the Union; 1821-1921 (Volume 4). St. Louis-Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp 301-302.
Edward H. Winter Dies in Rochester, Minn., Funeral to be Held Here Tuesday. (1941 June 30). Jefferson City Post-Tribune. p. 1.
Guy B. Park is Congratulated by Opponent. (1932, November 9). Jefferson City Post-Tribune. p. 1.