William Wintersteen's biography, Homer Township, Calhoun County, Michigan Copyright © 1999 by Pat Nowicki. This copy contributed for use in the MIGenWeb Archives. MIGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed MIGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the MIGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. _____________________________________________________________________ William Wintersteen 1802-1887 William Wintersteen was born in the State of New Jersey, January 11, 1802. When a mere child with his father's family he removed to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he passed his boyhood days, and on the 20th of June, 1822, was married to Miss Margaret McMurtie. He came to Michigan in 1832, and returned for his family in the following spring. Mrs. Wintersteen died in this township, Oct. 4, 1864. On the 18th of October, 1866, Mr. Wintersteen was again married, this time to Mrs. Deborah Smith. Mr. Wintersteen was identified in the early history of the township as one aiding with a generous hand all worthy enterprises. It was at his house where the first school was taught, he engaging a teacher to teach his own children and those of his neighbors. He was unassuming in manner, quiet and unobtrusive, ever kind and cheerful and especially so to those whose home was at his own fireside. On the 12th of October, 1887, this old pioneer, in the winter of life and with the leaves of autumn, passed peacefully away, his life's duties ended, his work well done. Mr. Wintersteen was the father of four children, all born in Pennsylvania, H. Albert, now living in East Homer; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Daniel Penoyer of South Albion; Sarah, who, was Mr. Penoyer's first wife and who died Feb. 14th, 1862; and Henry, who also resides in East Homer, and who was married to Imogene M. Rogers, August 18, 1855. Grandchildren, --To H. Albert; Franklin F., Annie O., who died Feb. 7, 1857, William H., Forrest D., Carrie M., Rena Maud, Mahala A., and Lewis S. To Mary: Sidney E., Julia and Sarah. To Henry: Almanda, who died in the spring of '63, aged four years. H. Albert has been four times married, first to Ruth Ann Rogers, who died Nov. 17, '58; second to Mary A. Wood, who died April 25, '64; third to Mahala D. Bentley, who died May 10, '71; and fourth to Mrs. Isabella M. Deming, who is still living. Homer and It's Pioneers - 1888