MIAMI COUNTY OHIO - BIO: WINANS, Hester A. (published 1887)
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD of Adams County, Indiana
The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887, page 421,422,423

        HESTER A. WINANS was born in Harrison County, Ohio, October 31,
1887. Her parents were Samuel and Margaret (Beeman) Heaviline, the former a
native of New York, and the latter of Maryland. Her paternal grandparents
were Samuel and May (Layport) Heaviline. Her maternal grandparents were
Moses and Sarah (Poland) Beeman. In 1851 her parents immigrated to this
county, locating in Blue Creek Township, where her father purchased forty
acres of land, which was entirely uncultivated, but there were about ten
acres partially cleared. At this time the family consisted of parents and
ten children, all of whom were living - Christina J., born August 10, 1828;
James I., born May 30, 1831; Enoch J., born October 20, 1833; Joseph, born
December 12, 1835; Hester A., born October 31, 1837; Sarah E., born July
20, 1840; Mary M., born November 13, 1842; Rebecca J., born January 15,
1846; Samuel O. D., born January 31, 1849, and Iantha L., born March 30,
1851. August 27, 1863, Hester Heaviline was united in marriage with Richard
Winans, who was a descendant of one of the oldest and most honorable of the
pioneer families in St. Mary's Township. His father, Benjamin B. Winans,
came from Miami County, Ohio, to St. Mary's Township in the fall of 1836,
bringing a load of goods and entering his land. He left two sons, one
daughter and one son-in-law in the new home, then returned to Ohio. In
February, the following year, he returned to his home in Indiana, bringing
his movable goods, the remainder of his family and his stock. Thus
equipped, the father of Richard Winans began the development of this wild
tract of land, consisting of 244.65 acres. A little cabin, 16 x 16 feet,
was  the room the family of fourteen children had to live in. When beds
were spread upon the floor the entire space was occupied, and great fears
were entertained lest the bedding should take fire. At this time matches
were unknown, and the pioneer depended upon the stump or log heap to keep
him supplied with that essential article. Sometimes flint was used to start
the fire; and in cases of emergency the early settler would go to the
nearest neighbor, perhaps two or three miles away, and borrow fire.
Thousands of ways were improvised by the pioneer. The milk, which was kept
until in proper condition, would be confined in a vessel and placed in a
wagon, and as the emigrant pursued his lonely journey over rough and almost
impassable roads, the jostling and shaking wagon would churn the butter;
and at the next camping place the delighted family would regale themselves
on hot pone, fresh butter and roast venison. Richard and Hester Winans
moved upon a farm of 160 acres, one mile west of the village of Pleasant
Mills, which Mr. Winans owned previous to his marriage. A commodious frame
dwelling was erected and other improvements were made; although obliged to
pay over $3,000 bail bonds, he nevertheless left a handsome property to his
wife and children at this death, which occurred October 5, 1885. Mr. Winans
served the people in many capacities - constable, deputy sheriff,
administrator and guardian, being at one time guardian of twenty-eight
wards. He served as township trustee two terms, and was a liberal
contributor to educational and religious enterprises. When there was need
the hand of Richard Winans was always extended, and never empty. He was an
expert mechanic, being a mason by occupation as well as a farmer. He was a
devoted member of the Masonic fraternity, and was buried with all the rites
and sacred honors of this institution. Seven children were left, as follows
- Samuel A., born February 24, 1849; Jasper H., born December 14, 1851;
Sarah I,, born December 14, 1854; Joseph D., born January 27, 1858; Charles
S., born February 22, 1862; Ira F., born June 6, 1864, and William H., born
November 17, 1865. Charles S. served five years in the regular army, having
enlisted September 27, 1881, and being mustered out September 27, 1886. He
was promoted to the rank of Corporal for meritorious service. His was the
First Regiment Company I, United State Infantry. Jasper H. is a minster of
the Baptist church at Warsaw, Indian, having been ordained in 1878. The
children have all acquired a liberal education, two of whom are teachers.
Mrs. Winans taught several terms previous to her marriage. She is a member
of the Missionary Baptist church, and is very comfortably situated in the
old homestead. Her son, Ira F., and his wife, Geneva Cowens, make their
home with her. The Cowens belong to the honored and respected pioneer
families.


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