Portrait and biographical album of Ingham and Livingston counties, Michigan, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties ... the governors of the state and of all the presidents of the United States.

GO VERNORS OF IICHIGA1V.

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ON. EDWIN B. WINANS,
who began his duties as
i^ Governor of Michigan,
& ^ IS. January 1, 1891, is a son
A- of the Empire State, of
| - ' ^^ wh ich his parents also were
natives. From German ancestry on
the father's side, he derives the in6 stincts of frugality and careful consideration of ways and means, and
these are strengthened by the substantial traits of the Puritan forefathers of his mother. Both lines
have transmitted to him the love
of country and home that has led
thousands into untrodden wilds where they might
secure that which would be for the future good of
themselves and posterity.
John and Eliza (Way) Winans removed from
New York to this State in 1834, and settled on a
farm in Livingston County, where the boyhood of
Gov. Winans was passed. He was about eight
years old at the time of the removal, having been
born at Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., May 16,
1826. Up to the-age of eighteen years he attended
the district school, and he then entered Albion
College, from which he was graduated in 1850.
The excitement attendant upon the discovery of

gold in California had not died out, and young
Winans felt a strong desire to visit the coast and
try his fortune in the mines. He decided in favor
of the overland route, crossed the plains in safety:
and spent the ensuing eight years in seeking the
precious metal-a quest that was fairly successful.
Returning to Livingston County, this State, Mr.
Winans bought land and engaged in general farming. He has retained the farm as his home through
all the changes various official positions have
brought him, and joyfully returned to it whenever
his faithful discharge of public duty would allow.
His estate now includes four hundred acres of land
under a high state of cultivation and improved
with buildings of the best construction and modern
design. In connection with general farming Gov.
Winans has given considerable attention to raising
stock of high grades, and his understanding of
agriculture in its various departments is broad and
deep. He believes that his success in political life
is largely due to his thorough identification with
the agricultural interests of the State and no doubt
he is right.
The public career of Gov. Winans began in 1860,
when he was elected to represent his county in the
State Legislature. He served two consecutive
terms, covering the period from 1860 to 1865. In
1867 he was a member of the Constitutional Con