When I assembled a page of information on various Winans families who settled in Petaluma, California, I was fortunate to be able to refer to numerous articles from local newspapers provided by Fran Kimball. When these articles were all included within that page, it became too unwieldy and hard to navigate. This page includes the clippings which were once a part of the Petaluma page. It has a similar format, but with a minimum of commentary. Additional clippings will be added as they become available. The numbers which you see next to some people's names are links to their entries in our transcription of Alice Winans Egy Woolley's Winans Genealogy.
The four children of James Winans (1810-1878) (1-7-1-6-5-2) and his second wife, Martha Ashby (1820?-1855?):
Wm. J. Winans Dies Walking Near His Home
William J. Winans, 80-year-old rancher, collapsed on Highway 101 near the Willowbrook Inn Monday afternoon. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Petaluma General Hospital, apparently the victim of a heart condition.
Mr. Winans, a life-long resident of Route 1, Box 167, had been walking beside the highway, going to a shopping center from his home. The California Highway Patrol investigated the incident and Coroner Vernon Silvershield will conduct a routine investigation to determine the cause of death.
Deputy Coroner Arthur W. Parent said that Mr. Winans was known to have had a weak heart for many years.
Mr. Winans, who is survived by his wife, Effie M. Winans, was born on the Redwood Highway North ranch. For nearly a century the property has been operated by him or his family.
In recent years he had been living quietly and would have celebrated his golden wedding anniversary next June. Both he and Mrs. Winans were members of the Golden Age Club in Petaluma.
Mr. Winans was the father of Mrs. Helen Buell and Mrs. Edith Winans Twombly of Petaluma; the grandfather of Walter Buell of Petaluma, Mrs. Avis Borges of Sebastopol, and George Buell of Petaluma. He was the greatgrandfather of Mickey and Nancy Borges.
Friends are invited to attend funeral services Wednesday at the Parent Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at Cypress Hill Memorial Park.
Orrin R. Buell
Orrin R. Buell, 77, who spent most of his life in this area, died Monday at a Petaluma hospital.
Born in Oakland in 1902, Mr. Buell was one of five children of Ross and Lillian Buell. The family moved to Cunningham after the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906.
For a time he was a hobo and later drove a beer wagon for a Sebastopol brewery, baled hay, was a ranch worker in Cunningham and a cowboy in Nevada.
He also worked on a lumber schooner up and down the West Coast, was mate on the old "Steamer Gold" on the Petaluma River, worked as a butcher for Art Thomas in Petaluma, for Coulson's Milling Co., and ran a small dairy on McDowell Road.
His family moved to Valley Ford in 1938 and lived there for 12 years while he worked at dairying, farming and blacksmithing. He was also on the board of trustees of the American Valley School at Valley Ford.
He became a carpenter and continued that occupation after moving back to Petaluma in 1950.
In 1925 he married Helen Winans Buell, who died in 1972. After her death he married Mildred Miller of Petaluma, his surviving widow.
Mr. Buell was an active Mason, a three-time past master of Vitruvius Lodge No. 145, F.&A.M., Bloomfield. He was five times Watchman of Shepherds of Galilee Shrine No. 48, Petaluma, and held offices in Redwood Court, Order of the Amaranth Inc., Santa Rosa, and Morning Star Chapter No. 61, Order of the Eastern Star, Petaluma. He was also a member of the Sonoma County Shrine Club and the Petaluma Museum and Historical Library.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Avis Loewke of Port Gramble, Wash., Walter Buell of Healdsburg, Pat Miller of Kinston, N.C., and Marilyn Williams, Patricia Kvalheim, Robert Miller, and Barbara Franklin, all of Petaluma. He was the grandfather of 22 and great-grandfather of six. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Friends are invited to attend funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Parent Funeral Chapel, Magnolia Avenue and Keokuk Street, with the officers of the Masonic Lodge officiating. Interment will be at Cypress Hill Memorial Park.
Contributions in Mr. Buell's memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 1701 19th Ave., San Francisco, the Heart Association of the Redwood Empire, P.O. Box 844, Santa Rosa, Ca. 95402 or to the Lung Asaociation of the Redwood Empire, P.O. Box 1482, Santa Rosa, Ca. 95403.
Five Die in Mendocino Head-On; Cyclist Dies
Two crashing head-on collisions on the Redwood Empire's Highway 101 have killed six persons so far this weekend...
And a Petaluma youth was killed near Penngrove yesterday morning when the motorcycle he was riding smashed into a gasoline truck...
Killed in the Penngrove accident:
George Leo Buell, 19, of 4033 Redwood Highway South, Petaluma. He became Sonoma County's seventh traffic fatality of the year.
The Petaluma youth was killed instantly when his motorcycle apparently went into a slide on the turn of Highway 101 at Penngrove at 2:15 a. m. yesterday, and smashed into the left front of an oil tanker, the CHP said.
The youth was knocked out of his boots and the body hurled 20 feet by the impact. The force of the blow of the lightweight motorcycle disabled the steering gear of the truck and it continued 75 feet before veering into a bank.
The truck driver, Carl Bristlin, 59, of 1375 Mt. View Rd. was not injured.
The crumpled motorcycle burst into flames, which were extinguished by the Penngrove Volunteer Fire Department.
A member of the department, A. H. Bettencourt, said the road was damp and patches of fog lay on the highway. Many accidents have happened on the turn, he said, but it was the first death at the spot in the six years he has lived there.
Young Buell is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Buell; a brother, Walter Buell and a sister, Mrs. Avis Borges, both of Sebastopol. Funeral arrangements are being made at Sorensen's Funeral Home, Petaluma...
A more extensive biography appeared in a later History of Sonoma County, Tom Gregory, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA (1911), pp. 856-857:Nay, Samuel A. Born in Hillsborough county, N. H., Feb. 18, 1830; was educated here and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1852 he emigrated to California via Panama, arriving at San Francisco April 1, 1852. He proceeded at once to the redwoods in Marin county. After a residence here of seven months he engaged in farming for two years, after which he embarked in the dairy and wood business which he continued until the Fall of 1869 at which time he came to this county and settled on his present place located about two and one-half miles north of Petaluma. Married, in 1858,2 Miss Sarah E. Winnans. She was born in Ohio, July 31, 1840. By this union they have three children, Charles J. born March 14, 1860; Herbert L., May 9, 1861, and Frank G., October 25, 1871.
Samuel Nay's death was reported on page 3 of the 20 Feb 1912 edition of the Petaluma Argus:SAMUEL A. NAY.
Distinguished as one of the early and most respected settlers of California, Samuel A. Nay was first identified with Marin county as a large land-holder and extensive raiser of sheep and cattle, but for the past forty years his life and labors have been associated with Sonoma county, where his varied interests have brought him into prominence in almost all of the various avenues of agriculture. Until recently he occupied a ranch of fifty-five acres in Petaluma township, devoted to fruit-growing and the raising of poultry, twenty-five acres being in Newtown pippins, besides which he raised many kinds of valuable fruits. His poultry yard was conducted along scientific lines, and was one of the most profitable and up-to-date establishments of the kind in the county. He is now living retired in Petaluma.
A native of New Hampshire, Samuel A. Nay was born in Hancock, Hillsboro county, February 18, 1830, the son of Gardner and Amelia (Simonds) Nay, and following in the footsteps of his father in the choice of a life-work he became a farmer and carpenter. During his youth the home of the family was transferred from New Hampshire to Illinois, and it was in that state that the death of the father occurred in 1861. Subsequently the mother came to California to join her sons who had located here in the meantime, and here her earth life came to a close in 1878. All of the eight children born to the marriage of this worthy couple grew to maturity with the exception of one child who died In infancy.
Samuel A., who was the fourth in order of birth of his parents' family, started out to make his own way in the world at the age of twenty-one years, working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned from his father. He was thus engaged when he heard of the finding of gold in California, and as did thousands of others, he laid aside everything to come to the west in an endeavor to make his fortune. In the spring of 1852 he took passage at New York City on the ship Georgia, but before reaching Cuba the ship sprang a leak, and from the island to Aspinwall1 the voyage was continued on the ship Ohio. After crossing this narrow neck of land they embarked on the Pacific side on the ship Panama, and after a sail of thirty-six days hove in sight of the Golden Gate April 1, 1852.
After three days spent in the metropolis Mr. Nay went to Marin county, where he hired out to work at teaming for $70 for the first month, $90 for the second month, and $100 for the third month's work. Later he worked in a sawmill in that locality, and while there was importuned by his former employer to resume teaming for him with the promise of $125 per month., but as he had discontinued the work on account of its being too laborious for his strength he was not persuaded to accept it, even though it meant an advance of $25 a month over what he was receiving in the mill.
Subsequently he rented land in Marin county and engaged in raising potatoes, but as this commodity proved a drug on the market that year he found himself $300 in debt, besides the loss of his time and labor. During the season of 1855, however, he fared better, raising a record crop for which he received four cents a pound. From 1855 until 1858 he was engaged in the cord wood business near San Rafael in partnership with his brother William J., an association that proved profitable and amicable as long as it continued. Still later they were in partnership in the dairy business in that locality, but in 1863 Samuel A. Nay bought out the interest of his brother and continued the business thereafter alone.
Upon disposing of his interests in Marin county in 1871 he came to Sonoma county and purchased the ranch of fifty-five acres near Petaluma which claimed his close attention for so many years. Besides this ranch he was also interested with his brother in a sheep ranch of eighteen hundred acres near Guerneville, upon which, when it was sold, he realized a profit of $5,000. To Mr. Nay belongs the credit for being the first man in Petaluma to make a success of chicken-raising, and he may well be proud of his accomplishment, for it was the means of developing the greatest poultry industry known anywhere in the world today, Petaluma being the world's center in this industry. During all the years that Mr. Nay has lived in the county he has speculated in land, buying and selling ranch property principally, and in almost every instance he has doubled on his investment.
While a resident of Marin county, in 1855,2 Mr. Nay was married to Miss Sarah E. Winans, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of James and Martha (Ashby) Winans, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. Mr. Winans was a farmer who crossed the plains in 1854 alone, but in 1856 returned east for his family, finally locating in Marin county, and there his death occurred in 1893. Their children were as follows: David M., a rancher of Petaluma township; Sarah E., Mrs. S. A. Nay; Mrs. William Nay; and Mrs. Hannah Beerbauer, a resident of Humboldt county. Three children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nay, Charles J., Heber L. and Frank G. Fraternally Mr. Nay is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felllows, and politically he is a believer in Republican principles.
SAMUEL A. NAY PASSED INTO REST AT HIS HOME TUESDAY
Samuel A. Nay, one of the oldest and best known local pioneer residents of this vicinity, passed away at 2:15 on Tuesday afternoon at his beautiful home on north Main street, death being due to a stroke of paralysis which suddenly came upon him several days ago. For many hours he had been unconscious and the end came without pain. Although expected, it comes as a source of great regret to all, as up to recently, the pioneer was hale and hearty and enjoyed life.
Mr. Nay was a native of New Hampshire and on last Sunday celebrated the eighty-second anniversary of his birth. He leaves a widow who was Miss Sarah Winans whom he married in 1855,2 and three sons. They are Heber L., Frank G. and Charles J. Nay. He was a member of long standing of Petaluma Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., and the funeral will be under the auspices of the lodge, the arrangements not as yet being completed. He was a brother of L. G. Nay of this city and the late W. G. Nay and was one of the best known men of this vicinity.
Mr. Nay came here from New York, arriving in San Francisco in April 1852, after shipwreck and exciting adventures. He located with his brothers in Marin county where they worked and later took up dairying. In 1871 he sold out, and came to this city where he bought the splendid Nay ranch north of this city where he lived until a few years ago when he moved to his beautiful home on Main street. He was a fruit grower of prominence and the first successful poultry producer on a large scale in this vicinity. He speculated in land and by judicious buying and selling he amassed a large estate and was a very wealthy man. Deceased was a man of high ideals and splendid integrity and his word was as good as his bond. In all his dealings he was square and upright and leaves to posterity a splendid name. He was one of the staunch old rugged pioneers of the type which is rapidly disappearing and he will long be mourned and sincerely missed. His death causes genuine regret and the community will extend its sympathy to the bereaved widow and sons.
The Petaluma Daily Courier reported his funeral on page 3 of its 21 Feb edition, while an item on page 3 of its 22 Feb issue signalled the beginning of litigation over the control of his estate:
THE LATE S. A. NAY FUNERAL TOMORROW
Samuel Alfred Nay, an old and very highly respected pioneer resident of Petaluma passed away at his residence on Main street, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr. Nay had suffered three strokes of paralysis and although his friends knew than on account of his advanced age and the progress of disease he could not remain with them long, his death caused some surprise and general regret.
The deceased was born in Hancock, Hillsboro County, New Hampshire, February 18th, 1830. His parents were also natives of New Hampshire but the tradition of the family is that three brothers named Ney (the same as Napoleon's great marshal) came to this country from France and all the Nays known are descended from this trio.
In 1852, when he was twenty-two years of age Mr. Nay embarked at New York on the steamer Georgia for California. When Cuba was reached the Georgia was found to be leaking so badly that cargo and passengers were transferred to the Ohio which carried them to Aspinwall1 after a rough journey across the Isthmus, partly by small boats, he finally took shipping in the Panama and reached San Francisco.
Mr. Nay's first place of residence in California was in Marin County, where he worked and engaged in business with varying success until 1870, when Sonoma county and Petaluma were fortunate to gain him for a resident. He was a fruit grower of prominence and the first successful poultry producer in this locality. By his judgment and foresight he made a great many successful deals in real estate which added very greatly to his wealth.
The deceased was a man of sterling integrity and will long be remembered by his many friends for his generosity and kindliness.
He leaves to mourn his loss a widow, one brother, L. G. Nay of Petaluma and three sons, Heber L., Frank G., and Charles J. Nay.
The funeral will be under the auspices of the Odd Fellows Lodge at 2 p. m. on Thursday Feb. 23. The beautiful ceremony of this lodge will be performed both at the home and at the grave. Interment will be in Cypress Hill Cemetery.
CONTEST TALK BEFORE FUNERAL
Before the body of the late Samuel A. Nay of Petaluma has been laid to its final rest in the cemetery, there are rumors of a contest over the big estate he left. His will was filed for probate in the Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon by the executors named therein, Frank K. Lippitt, Frank Emmenegger and Charles A. Offut. They are left all the property in trust for the deceased's sons, and to act in accordance with a trust deed executed some time ago and on file in the office of County Recorder Nagle.
The petition accompanying the will states that the reality is valued at about $6,000 and the personal property at about $44,000. The actual value of the property is said to be in excess of $100,000. Lippitt & Lippitt of Petaluma are the attorneys for the estate.
Just who will bring the contest of the estate remains to be seen, but it is said that it will be his widow. In his will Nay states that if either of his sons contests the validity of his will that he shall forfeit his share, and it is to be given to children of the testator's sister. Attorney William F. Cowan of this city has been retained to look after the widow's interests. -- Press-Democrat.
Sarah's obituary appeared in the Petaluma Daily Courier, 8 Aug 1919, on page 4:
DEATH SUMMONS MRS. S. A. NAY
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Nay, one of the pioneer residents of this city, died early yesterday morning at Pleasant Hill near Sebastopol, where she had of late made her home with her son Hebert L. Nay. Mrs. Nay had been failing in health for years, death being due to senility, she being 79 years of age.
She was the widow of Samuel A. Nay, one of the pioneers who came here in 1852, after an exciting trip on the ship Panama. As Miss Sarah E. Winans she became the bride of Mr. Nay in 1855 in Marin county. Mrs. Nay was the daughter of James and Martha Winans, who crossed the plains in 1854. She was a sister of the late David Winans, Mrs. Wm. Nay, Mrs. Hanna Beerbaur.
Mrs. Nay was born in Ohio but spent much of her life in California.
For 61 years she had been a resident of Petaluma and resided most of the time out Main street, the property now rented by the Ordways.
Surviving the mother are two sons, Heber L., and Frank S. Ney, of Sebastopol. A son, Charles J., died suddenly at the family home, out Main street several years ago.
The late Mrs. Nay was beloved by all who knew her and had a beautiful character which was admired. Her death will be deeply regretted and the sympathy of friends is extended her relatives.
The body has been removed to the Blackburn parlors.
SUDDEN DEATH OF CHAS. NAY
Charles J. Nay, son of Mrs. Sarah and the late Samuel A. Nay, passed away suddenly on Friday evening at 6:40 o'clock at the Nay home at 711 north Main street, while he was seated at the table enjoying his dinner with the Frank Emenegger family. He had previously been out in the yard with Mr. Emenegger and early in the afternoon he enjoyed a short ride to the country with a local teamster.
He was drinking tea when stricken and he was carried to a couch by Mr. Emenegger. Dr. S. Z. Peoples was called to the telephone by Mrs. Emenegger. The physician arrived in five minutes, but there was nothing to be done as Mr. Nay was beyond medical aid. Coroner F. H. Phillips was notified after Charles Offutt, guardian of the deceased, had been told of the death.
The remains were removed to the funeral parlors and the usual inquest was held there on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock by Coroner Phillips. J. M. Smith, O. C. Hopkins, H. Campbell, D. Whitlach, M. D. Hopkins and Sam Hoffman were called to hear the testimony of Frank Emenegger and Dr. S. Z. Peoples and a verdict of death due to heart disease was rendered by the jury.
The deceased was a native of this state and was aged 55 years. He had always resided in Petaluma and was a member of one of the pioneer families of Sonoma county, and was the brother of Frank G. and H. L. Nay of Kellog, Napa county. They have been summoned here. Of late he seemed to be enjoying good health but about a year ago was ill, and at that time the attending physician reported that his heart was weak.
While seated about the table the members of the Emenegger family and Mr. Nay had planned an auto drive after dinner and had also arranged to make a visit to the petrified forest Sunday.
The deceased had many friends in Petaluma and he was a nephew of the late L. G. Nay, who died a few years ago.
Frank G. Nay Wedded.
Frank G. Nay of this city and Miss Mary Smith of San Francisco were quietly married at the home of the bride, No. 808 Geary street, Wednesday evening, and will arrive here tonight via Corona and go to the home of S. A. Nay, father of the groom, until their home, north of town, is put in readiness for them.
Rev. Dr. Adams of the First Congregational church performed the ceremony in the prettily decorated parlors. Joe Hoppe of this city was the best man and Miss Lillie Pierce was bridesmaid. A collation followed. The bride is a trained nurse by profession and the courtship was a romantic one, the young couple having met for the first time only a few months ago. They will be warmly welcomed to their future home. Joe Hoppe will meet them at Corona and drive them to the Nay home.
TWO PIONEERS REST.
Funerals of the late Wm. J. Nay and Joel W. Doss this Morning.
All that was mortal of the late William J. Nay was this afternoon reverently laid to rest in Cypress Hill in the presence of a large gathering of Odd Fellows, relatives and friends. The Jackson residence on Fifth Street was crowded when Rev. J. H. Goodell of the Congregational church conducted impressive funeral services. Several appropriate hymns were rendered by a quartette from the Congregational church choir. The black-draped casket was carried to the hearse by the following pallbearers:
- J. L. Winans
- G. W. Lamoreaux
- C. Poehlmann
- J. M. Palmer
- D. D. Hemenway
- G. W. Edelmann
Preceded by Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., and Petaluma Rebekah Lodge No. 226, and followed by an unusually long line of vehicles, the hearse proceeded to Cypress Hill, where the funeral ritual of the Odd Fellows was performed. There were scores of beautiful floral offerings and the new mound in the Nay plot was covered with a mantle of fragrant blossoms, 'neath which the pioneer peacefully sleeps.
This is our clippings file for several other Winans families who moved into Petaluma during the second half of the 19th century:
The Courier reported James' funeral on page 4 of its 15 June edition:VETERAN ANSWER TO CALL TO ARMY ABOVE
J. L. Winans, Civil war veteran, and one of the prominent pioneer residents of this city, died at his home on Prospect street yesterday morning shortly before 5 o'clock. Tuesday evening he was taken violently ill from an internal hemorrhage and a doctor was called but he had been fatally stricken and passed away soon afterwards.
Few men ever lived who had more friends than the late J. L. Winans. He was a good man, never happier than when doing some act that would help others. He had many friends whose respect and confidence he held and retained always. He had been prominently identified with the early history of Petaluma and had always shown the deepest interest in the affairs of the city.
In the G. A. R. he was very active and last Decoration Day presided as acting president of the day. His friends realized then that it would probably be the last time he would be with them. He seemed interested and happy to beable to carry out his duties.
Born in Osolo township, Elkhart county, Indiana, he would have been 80 years had he lived until June 19. He had planned a celebration for the anniversary and was to have some of his old war comrades as his guests.
J. L. Winans was one of the first merchants of the city and for years he conducted a store in the building now occupied by Peters & Peters.
He was a charter member of Antietam Post, G. A. R. and one of the officers; also a member of Petaluma lodge I. O. O. F. He enlisted in the Civil war, August 22, 1862 and was mustered out in June 8, 1865.
He was the only surviving commissioned officer of the 100th Indiana infantry. The veteran served under many noted generals, Sherman, Grant and Logan. His regiment marched over 4000 miles from Vicksburg to Atlanta, Ga., through North and South Caroline and on to Washington, D. C. They were in the grand review, May 245h 1865.
Enlisting as a private in Company D he was soon advanced to lieutenant.3 He was married before the war on January 1, 1861, in Michigan to Miss Arletta Johnson. Three children4 were born to the couple. All of whom have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Winans came to Petaluma many years ago and purchased the home on Prospect street. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in January.
The death of the husband has left the widow deeply grieved and friends are doing everything to comfort her.
The late Mr. Winans leaves two grandsons, Lawrence and Raymond Winans and a sister, Mrs. Mary Smith of Alabama.
The body has been removed to the Blackburn funeral parlors but will later be taken to the family home from whence the funeral will occur.
FUNERAL NOTICE
The funeral of the late Jas. L. Winans will be held from the home, 110 Prospect street, on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. F. F. Farrington will officiate. Interment Cypress Hill cemetery. Funeral in charge of John C. Mount of the Blackburn funeral parlors.
Arletta Winans' death and funeral were reported in the 2 and 4 Feb 1926 issues of the Petaluma Daily Courier:FINAL TAPS FOR WAR VETERAN
J. L. Winans, late honored veteran of the Civil War, and beloved citizen, was laid to final rest yesterday in Cypress Hill cemetery beside his only son, whose sudden death caused a sorrow which the father could not overcome.
The funeral services were conducted at the family home at 2 o'clock under the auspices of Antietam Post, G. A. R., of which he was past commander. A number of the old comrades with whom he had been associated for many years were present, also the members of the Antietam Woman's Relief Corps.
The house was filled with friends and neighbors, the Rev. Farrington of the Congregational church spoke briefly on the life of the late veteran.
A quartet sang "I'll Be Better in the Morning" and "Beyond the Smiling and Weeping."
The first hymn was sung at the last Memorial day exercise and was a favorite of Mr. Winans.
The singers were H. R. Campbell, Malcolm Byce, D. G. Baugh, and Frank Frasier. Mrs. E. G. Neil presided at the piano.
When the service was ended the casket, draped in the colors, was carried to the hearse by the following friends: J. R. Denman, D. G. Neil, H. R. Campbell, Lawrence Carpenter, E. W. M. Evans and Hamilton Ferrell.
The honorary pall bearers were: J. N. Koch, F. Riddell, M. S. Parker, G. H. Meissner, C. W. Seeley and W. H. Osborn.
In Cypress Hill cemetery the burial took place, the services being conducted by the Antietam Post, G. A. R.
The floral offerings were beautiful and were banked in profusion on the last resting place.
John Mount conducted the funeral.
MRS. J. L. WINANS IS SUMMONED TO ANOTHER WORLD
Death summoned Mrs. Arletta M. Winans, widow of James L. Winans, one of the best known women in this city, yesterday morning at the home of J. R. Denman at Denman station. The end came peacefully with her relatives at her bedside.
Some months ago Mrs. Winans suffered a heart attack and was convalescent, when she fell and broke her hip, the accident resulting in her death. Trained nurses were in attendance and the best of care was given the patient, but owing to the serious nature of the fracture and her age, there was no hope from the first. Mr. and Mrs. Denman, life long friends of Mrs. Winans, cared for her as they would have their own mother.
Seldom has death caused more sorrow, and friends will extend to the bereaved relatives their sincere sympathy. A highly cultured woman, of noble character, she was honored and trusted by all. Those who knew her best appreciated her great worth.
Mrs. Winans was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, February 15, 1843, and was nearing her 83d year. She was married when a young woman to James L. Winans, one of the early residents of the city, who died in 1918. The couple lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Mr. Winans was one of the leading merchants of this city, having conducted the grocery store on Main street, now owned by Peters & Peters. After disposing of the business he lived quietly at the family home on Prospect street. The couple had one son, Lewis J. Winans, who died in April, 1916. For years he was a deputy county clerk and was filling the position when he was taken ill and died. The parents never recovered from the loss of their only child.
Mr. and Mrs. Winans were prominent in the local G. A. R. and W. R. C. circles. Mr. Winans, a Civil War veteran, was one of the leaders in Antietam Corps, G. A. R. Mrs. Winans was past department officer of the state W. R. C. She also filled the office of past president of Antietam W. R. C.
Mrs. Winans leaves a sister, Mrs. Henry Francisco, of Michigan, two grandsons, Henry Lawrence Winans of this city and Raymond Winans, of Santa Rosa.
The body has been removed to the John C. Mount parlors from whence the funeral will take place.
Many at Funeral of Pioneer Woman
The funeral of Mrs. Arletta M. Winans, who for more than half a century had made her home in this city, took place yesterday from the John M. Mount parlors, when services were conducted by Rev. Henry Stauffer, pastor of the Congregational church.
An unusually large number of friends paid a tribute to the widely known woman's memory, by attending the last rites. Behind the bier, were banked floral tributes and a hedge of flowers filled the chapel, each bearing a message of love for one of Petaluma's most honored women, whose death came after years of usefulness and a life divinely lived.
Rev. Stauffer in his eulogy, paid a fitting and beautiful tribute to the life of Mrs. Winans and gave words of comfort to the bereaved relatives.
The pallbearers were Ray Hunter of Sonoma, E. W. M. Evans, C. W. Seeley, H. R. Campbell, J. Edgar Allen and Mark Hardin.
Members of Antietam Women's Relief Corps and Antietam Post, G. A. R., attended the funeral. Mrs. Winans was past president of the Relief corps.
Owing to the storm, the interment was postponed and will take place later. The body remained in the vault at the Mount parlors.
Lewis J. Winans was a member of Patriarchs Militant, a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following article was on the front page of the 30 Dec 1908 issue of the Petaluma Daily Courier:COUNTY CORRESPONDENCE.
PETALUMA NOTES.There was a very pleasant wedding in Petaluma on Thursday [19 Nov] of this week. Miss Myrtle E. Lawrence, daughter of Henry F. Lawrence, was united in marriage to Capt. Louis S. Winans, a prominent merchant of this city. The ceremony took place at the elegant residence of the bride's parents on Sixth Street, the Rev. Mr. Ban, of the M. E. Church South, officiating. The occasion was a most brilliant one, the house being beautifully decorated for the occasion. The couple received many valuable presents. After a bountiful collation and the hearty congratulations of their many friends, the happy couple took the afternoon train for a tour of the southern portion of the State. Upon their return they will occupy their recently fitted up home in this city.
The news of Lewis Winans' final illness and death appeared on the front page of the 7 Apr 1916 issue and on page 4 of the 8 Apr 1916 issue of the Petaluma Daily Courier:WINANS AND ADAMS ELECTED
L. J. Winans of Petaluma has been elected colonel of the Second Regiment, Patriarch's Militant. Colonel Winans received 90 per cent of all the votes cast.
The Second Regiment consists of the Cantons of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Watsonville, Hollister, Salinas, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
The records show the Second Regiment to be one of the best in the United States and is the pick of the Cantons of California.
The cantons of San Francisco, Hollister, Santa Rosa and Petaluma gave Colonel Winans the unanimous vote. The regimental colors will be removed from Vallejo to Petaluma in proper time. Colonel Winans will be careful to get competent men to fill the staff appointments.
Another interesting feature of the election is the fact that Captain R. S. Adams has been unanimously elected Major of the Second battalion. Canton Petaluma is four years old and now stands at the top.
Lieut. Nisson is now captain of the local Canton with Lieutenant Frank Doss and "General Bill Schmicke" on right and left of the line respectively.
This Canton believes that in "Union there is strength," and they all belong to the Union.
The fact that Petaluma has two men of the regimental staff is indeed quite an honor. The office to which Colonel Winans has been elected was unsolicited upon the part of Mr. Winans. His opponent was Mr. Jessen of Watsonville, who had held the office for some time. There is great joy in Canton circles over the election.
Myrtle's funeral notice appeared on page 2 of the 28 Sep 1957 edition of the Petaluma Argus Courier:SANTA ROSA, April 6.--Chief Deputy County Clerk L. J. Winans, is seriously ill at a Santa Rosa hospital where be was removed today for the purpose of undergoing an operation. Mr. Winans was taken ill at his room and when he did not arrive at the county clerk's office, inquiry was made and he was found seriously ill in his room.
His condition was so critical that an operation was deemed necessary and he was removed on a stretcher, placed in an ambulance and hurried to the hospital, where an operation was performed tonight for a strangulated hernia. The operation was performed by Dr. Scannell of Santa Rosa assisted by Dr. J. T. O'Brien of Petaluma and Dr. Jackson Temple. The patient's condition is extremely critical and his family and friends are greatly alarmed. A report from the hospital late tonight stated that there was no change and his condition is grave. His relatives have been summoned.
Mr. Winans is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Winans of Petaluma, and came to Santa Rosa some years ago to accept the office of chief deputy in the county clerk's otfice.
COLONEL L. J. WINANS IS SUDDENLY CALLED
1:30 a. m.--Word was received here at 1:30 this morning that Colonel L. J. Winans passed away at Santa Rosa at 1:15 a. m., after being operated on in a vain effort to save his life.
Colonel Winans was one of the best known men in the northern part of the state and was very prominent fraternally, being affiliated with many fraternal organiztions. He was one of the state officers of the Patriarchs Militant, Canton, and was also captain of old Company C of Petaluma.
He was for years the junior member of the firm of J. L. Winans & Son, grocers of Petaluma, and is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Winans of Prospect street, and two sons, Lawrence and Raymond.
The news of the sudden demise of this noble life will cause untold sorrow among the countless friends of the late Colonel Winans.
THE DEATH OF L. J. WINANS
The death of the late Louis J. Winans, which was briefly chronicled in yesterday's Courier, was one of the saddest that has occurred in years. Few men ever lived who were more highly respected than the late "Lou" Winans, as he was familiarly known among his friends. In Petaluma where he had spent most of his life, the death caused profound sorrow.
In the county clerk's office in the courthouse there is a vacant desk and a vacant seat. Wednesday "Lou" Winans was at his desk full of life, greeting his fellow workers with the gracious smile and greetings which were characteristic of his genial nature. Yesterday in the office a pall of sadness enshrouded the place.
"In the midst of life we are in death," and so it was with L. J. Winans. Last Friday he made his regular weekly visit here to see his parents to whom he was devoted. He came down from Santa Rosa with W. C. Stradling and G. B. Rodd and remarked at the time that he never felt better. During his stay he greeted his friends in his usual way and was the picture of health. Little did those who greeted him, think it would be the last time.
The death of their only son has left the aged parents broken hearted and friends called yesterday to offer words of sympathy. The sorrow which they suffer is indeed deep.
The deceased was an efficient and capable official. Assuming the position as chief deputy in the office a number of years ago, he seldom missed a day and was a faithful worker.
Present when the end came was his aged father and son. Yesterday morning the news of the death was tenderly broken to the aged mother, who is bearing up well under the strain.
Born In Michigan, Mr. Winans was aged 53 years when death claimed him. With his parents he came to Petaluma when a boy and here he grew to manhood. He was the only son of fond parents.
Years ago he was elected captain of old Company C and made one of the best captains the company ever had. He was a crack shot. During the years be had command of Company C he had one of the best drilled companies in the Fifth regiment. Captain Winans was a favorite with the soldier boys and a leader who commanded the respect and esteem of the company.
He also was prominent in fraternal circles and was the first captain of Canton Petaluma No. 10, and filled the office of colonel of the Second regiment. He was also affiliated with Petaluma lodge No 130, I. O. O. F., Relief Encampment No. 29, I. O. O. F., and Canton Petaluma No. 10.
The late Mr. Winans was for years associated with his father in the firm of J. L. Winans & Son of this city. When W. W. Felt was elected county clerk, Mr. Winans was given the office of chief deputy.
The body was brought to this city yesterday and taken to the Blackburn parlors.
WINANS -- In Petaluma, Sept. 27, 1957, Myrtle Lawrence Winans loving mother of Henry L. and Raymond J. Winans of Santa Rosa, grandmother of Nancy Lee Winans of San Anselmo; aunt of Mrs. E. A. Pleser of Oakland and Earl T. Dalton of Palo Alto; daughter of the late Henry E. and Keziah Lawrence and the sister of the late Wash Lawrence and Linnie B. Dalton. A native of Valley Ford, aged 91 years.
Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend the funeral Monday, Sept. 30, 1957 at 2 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, corner of Fifth and C St. Interment in Cypress Hill Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Sorensen Funeral Home, 400 Washington St., until Monday noon.
Lawrence Winans
Funeral arrangements are pending at Welti Chapel of the Roses for Lawrence Winans, 70, who died yesterday at his home, 447 So. E st.
Mr. Winans was a native of Petaluma and had been a lifetime resident of Sonoma County. He was a retired engineer, formerly employed by the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.
Surviving him is his brother, Raymond Winans, Lake Tahoe, and his niece, Nancy Winans, Santa Rosa.
WINANS - In Santa Rosa, March 21, 1963:
Henry L. Winans, dearly beloved brother of Ray Winans, Lake Tahoe; loving uncle of Nancy Winans, Santa Rosa. A native of Petaluma, age 69 years.
A member of the Episcopal Church, Mt. Jackson Lodge No. 295 F&AM, Guerneville, Santa Rosa Scottish Rite Bodies, Aahmes Shrine, and the Sonoma County Shrine Club.
Friends are invited to attend services Monday, March 25, 1963, at 10:30 A.M. at Welti Chapel of the Roses with officers of Mt. Jackson Lodge No. 295 F&AM, Guerneville, officiating. Interment will follow at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma.
Lulu Kennedy Winans
Jenner resident Lulu Kennedy Winans, 84, died Tuesday in a Sebastopol convalescent hospital.
Private family services were held, followed by private inurnment for the homemaker who had lived in Sonoma county for more than 60 years.
During World War II she was a member of the American Women's Volunteer Services that knitted sweaters and rolled bandages for soldiers.
A native of San Francisco, she was a member of the Saturday Club of Santa Rosa.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Winans of Jenner, and sister, Dorothy Moody, of Chula Vista.
WINANS, Nancy -- Died in Sebastopol May 2, 1988, at age 56.
Preceded in death by her mother Lulu, Nancy was a registered dental hygienist, and a director and dedicated member of the Sonoma County Humane Society.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 5 at 2:00 pm at PLEASANT HILL-ANALY O'LEARY CHAPEL, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. Donations may be made to Sonoma County Humane Society or the Jenner Volunteer Fire Dept.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of PLEASANT HILL-ANALY O'LEARY MORTUARY, Sebastopol.
The Petaluma Daily Courier reported Abner's imminent death in its 10 Sep 1912 edition:Fortieth Wedding Anniversary.
On Thursday Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Winans of this city celebrated their fortieth marriage anniversary, having been married in Illinois on July 21st, 1858. An enjoyable family reunion. An enjoyable family reunion and dinner was held at the family home on Keokuk street in honor of the event and the happy bride and groom of forty years were overwhelmed with congratulations.
Abner Winans' obituary appeared in the Petaluma Daily Courier's 14 Sep 1912 edition on page 4:WINANS IS NEAR DEATH
A. R. Winans, the well known pioneer and civil war veteran, is very ill at the family home on Keokuk street and all hope for his recovery has been abandoned. All the children have been summoned and are with the parent. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Winans of San Jose, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickson, Oakland, Mrs. D. Tucker, Willows are here and Mrs. Coates of Los Angeles is expected to arrive tonight.
Mary Ann's obituary appeared on the front page of the 27 Feb 1926 issue of the Petaluma Daily Courier and her funeral was reported in the 2 March issue:WINANS' FUNERAL TO BE HELD SUNDAY
Abner Ross Winans, whose death was briefly chronicled in Friday's Courier was born in Rahway, New Jersey, January 12th, 1833, and his life was unusually interesting. His parents were among the prominent pioneer residents of New Jersey. Mr. Winans was educated in Rahway and years later removed with his parents to Ohio, where he resided for years. At the beginning of the civil war he enlisted with the 14th Ohio regiment, responding to the call for the "100 day men," and during the stirring war times fought in many battles. After the war he returned to Ohio where he made his home for a number of years.
In Illinois July 22d, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Holliday and twenty-eight years ago the couple came west, locating in Petaluma where they have resided ever since in the family home on Keokuk street, and where the husband and father passed into eternal rest.
Mr. Winans was a charter member of the local Antietam Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and filled the office of patriotic instructor, which position he held up to the time of his death. He was very patriotic, always took an active part in patriotic meetings and was foremost in affairs pertaining to the post.
The death of the pioneer was not unexpected as his health had been impaired for the last year and of late he failed steadily. Everything possible was done to prolong his life but to no avail.
The deceased was a man of high moral principles whose honesty and integrity had never been questioned. He possessed a beautiful nature which attracted friends whom he held all through life and to whom his death will be a grievous shock.
Surviving the husband and father is the widow and the following children: Charles A. Winans, San Jose; Mrs. H. R. Coate, Los Angeles; Mrs. Frank Dickson, Oakland, Mrs. D. C. Tucker, Willows, and the late Clifford Winans. Mr. Winans is also survived by three grand children, Mrs. Huddle, wife of Dr. Huddle of Los Angeles; Miss Nella Dickson and Miss Marion Clifford Winans, and one greatgrandchild, little Harry Huddle of Los Angeles.
The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home and the burial will be in the Cypress Hill cemetery. The G. A. R. will conduct the services at the grave. The family has the sincere sympathy of their friends in their sorrow.
(Articles about Abner and Mary Ann's descendants will go here when they become available.)MRS. WINANS DIES IN HER 90TH YEAR
Death summoned Mrs. Mary A. Winans Thursday night at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Coroner and Mrs. D. C. Tucker, at Willows, Glen county. Death was due to the infirmities of advancing age. Mrs. Winans would have reached her 90th birthday had she lived until April.
She was the widow of Abner R. Winans, Civil War veteran, who died at the family home on Keokuk street a number of years ago. After the death of her husband, she left for Willows to spend her remaining days with her daughter. Mrs. Winans was one of the most highly regarded women in this city. A woman of the type of pioneers, she was sincere in her friendship and her home was always open to her friends. In the pioneer days Mrs. Winans arrived in this city with her husband and children, and most of the time she had made her home on Keokuk street. She was a member of the Congregational church and until her health prevented, was a regular attendant at the services.
Mrs. Winans leaves three daughters, Mrs. Frank Dickson, Sacramento; Mrs. Virginia Coate, Los Angeles; and Mrs. Gertrude Tucker, Willows; and Charles Winans of Gilroy, son. Clifford Winans, another son, died many years ago. She also leaves grand children: Mrs. Gertrude Huddell, Los Angeles, and Nella Dickson of Sacramento. There is one great grandchild, Harry Huddell, Los Angeles.
The body will be brought to this city and taken to the John C. Mount parlors, where services will be held under the direction of Mr. Mount.
Last Rites for Mrs. Mary Winans
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Winans, formerly a resident of this city, who died last week at Willows, took place yesterday afternoon from the John C. Mount parlors. Old friends and neighbors were present to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased. Rev. Henry Stauffer, pastor of the Congregational church, officiated. During the services Mrs. Miner sang "The City Four Square," and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere." The interment was in the family plot in Cypress Hill cemetery. The pallbearers were: Will S. Adams, C. W. Seeley, John R. Denman, H. C. Gray, A. L. Phillips and D. G. Neil.
A number of relatives were here to attend the serices. The floral tributes covered the grave in the family plot at the cemetery.