HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY                      281

for seventeen years. In the fall of 1856 he became a resident of Clay
county, Indiana, settling in Dick Johnson township, where he took up his
abode in a log cabin, adding thereto a stone chimney through which the
smoke from the huge fireplace found egress. The family shared in all
the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. They had made the
journey to Indiana with two yoke of oxen and a two-horse wagon, thus
covering the entire distance from their old home in Ohio. Having lived
for some time in Clay county, Mr. Winn removed to Worth county, Mis-
souri, where he remained for about three months and then returned to
Clay county, where his remaining days were passed. His death occurred
May 8, 1885. In his political views he was a Democrat. His widow long
survived and passed away on the 10th of September, 1893. Their family
numbered eleven children, seven of whom still survive: Henry R.;
Harriet, the wife of Jackson McGranham; Lois Amanda, the wife of John
McGranham; James A., of this review; John W.; Andrew F.; and
Jesse S.
    James A. Winn was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the
frontier. He was but eleven years of age when the family came to Clay
county and he assisted in the arduous task of clearing the fields and
developing the farm. The public schools afforded him his educational
privileges but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat meager,
for the schools at that time had not been brought to their present system of
perfection in this county. However, he learned many valuable lessons
concerning the worth of industry, enterprise and integrity. He learned
also the caution and the prudence necessary to those who live on the
frontier and he always utilized every chance to the best possible advantage.
He completed his arrangements for having a home of his own by his
marriage on the 10th of May, 1868, to Miss Caroline Compton, who was
born in Dick Johnson township, Clay county, Indiana, in her father’s log
house, March 1, 1850. Her parents were Jacob L and Elizabeth (Haw-
thorn) Compton. Her father’s birth occurred in Warren county, Ohio,
October 22, 1808 and he died April 3, 1877. His wife, who was born
February 27, 1818 died December 28, 1897. They were married April
2, 1833. and their family number four sons and five daughters, but only
two are now living, Richard M. Compton and Mrs. Winn. It was in
September, 1843, that Mr. Compton arrived in Indiana, having journeyed
with horse and wagon. He located in Dick Johnson township. His
father, Richard J. Compton, had come to Clay county in the early ‘40s and
entered government land for his children. He was born March 19, 1789,
in New Jersey, and died January 29, 1858. His wife, Mary (Lyons)
Compton, was born October 15, 1783, and died October 14, 1860. Their
family numbered four sons and three daughters, including Jacob L..
Compton, who on arriving in Clay county built a log cabin in Dick
Johnson township in 1843. With characteristic energy he began the
development and improvement of his place and as time passed added to his
land until he had one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated and
improved up to the time of his death. He served as township trustee
and was interested and active in community affairs. His political support
was given to the Democracy and he was a consistent and faithful sup-
porter of the Universalist church, his friends and fellow townsmen
respecting him for his many sterling traits of character.
    Soon after his marriage Mr. Winn purchased forty acres of wild tim-
ber land in Dick Johnson township and built a log cabin sixteen by