The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1876-12-05
Mon. Henry winter, Mayor or cairo

"The United States Biographical Die
tionary, and Gallery of Eminent and
Self-Made Men," Is work just issued by
the American Biographical publishing
company, Chicago. This WORK is gotten
up In excellent style, and gives short bio
graphical sketches OF the lives OF nearly
all the prominent men of Southern llli-
nois, and among them we find the
names OF q number of the leading citi-
zens and business men Of Cairo. Promi-
ncnt among the latter we find lengthy
sketch of the leading events in the life Of
Mayor Winter, of which the following is
brief synopsis:
According TO this biography, Mr.. Win
ter first saw the light of day at Ports
mouth, England. August 18th, 1929, be-
ing the thirteenth child OF a family of
sixteen children of Robert and Jane
Winter, and one OF seven sons who ar
rived at maturity. The family immigrated
| to America in 1887, and settled in Gin
cinnati, Ohio, where Henry remained
until 1919. His educational advantages
were such as the public schools of that
early day afforded. together with one
term at Woodwsrd's high school. AT
the death OF his mother the family was
broken up, and he was thrown on his
own resources. He was bound an ap
prentice at the tinsmith trade, and at
the end Of four years lett his master on
account Of ill-treatment and bound him.
self to another craftsman, with whom he
finished his mechanical education. grad
uating first-class practical timer.
lie was an active member Of the Gin
cinnati fire department tor a number Of
years. He left Cincinnati In ls49, and
obtained situation at Cannelton, Indi-
ana, where by strict attention to bust
ness and good conduct ne won the re-
spect OF the community and the Hon.
Jacob Maynard, (now one Of the editors
OF Louisville daily paper advanced
him funds with which to start in bust
ness He obtained the contract to make
all the tin cans for the Cannelton cotton
mills, amounting to thousands of doll ars,
and enabling him to branch out in mer-
chandizing. An unfortunate partner
ship alliance, however, soon reduced him
to first principles and he was COM
PEELED to make another start. During
his residence in Csnnelton he organized
two fire companies, Of one Of which he
was president for five years.
Leaving Cannelton Mr.. Winter arrived
In Cairo on the 10th of August, 1856, with
q SOLITARY dime in his pocket" but with
an indomitable will to perseyere and sue
coed. He was soon at the head OF another
tin shop; prosperity crowned his efforts.
and in 1867 he was one Of the largest
taxpayers in Alexander county, paying
as high as three thousand dollars in sim
gle year. Previous to this date he built
number of fine brick buildings, at a
heavy outlay OF money, besides number
of less valuable buildings, and was the
owner Of numerous valuable vacant lots,
besides three flourishing business estab-
lishments in Cairo, two in Paducah and
one in Omaha, Nebraska, all under his
supervision and doing paying business.
At the breaking out Of the war Mr..
Winter identified himself with the Re.
publican party, and continued to act
with that organization until in 1872,
when he branched of and went with
the Liberal party in support OF Horace
Greeley, being one of the delegates to
the Cincinnati convention that nomi-
mated him. Since that time he has not
been identified with any party.
In 1866 he was an Independent cam
didate tor mayor. against regular Dem
over three hundred majority. In 1872,
aud again In 1873, he was the choice OF q
large number OF citizens, but was defeated
each time, though by greatly reduced
majorities. In 1875 he was again the
candidate Of his friends, the issues being
purely local but highly exciting, and his
opponents commanding the influence of
all the mOneyed interests of the city +;
but this time victory perched upon his
banners. His career as mayor during
the year OF his term demonstrates to the
citizens that he is the right man in the
right place. The city has never been
better governed, crime and rufiianism
have become things of the past. and to-
{ day he commands the confidence of his
friends and the respect Of his adverse
ries.
During his residence Of twenty years
in Cairo he has been intimately con-
nected with the fire department; WAS
, president of the Arab fire company tor
ten years, and is at present chief Of the
fire department.
He is a gentleman OF fine personal APP
pearance, six feet high, without a gray
hair, or the slightest abatement of nat.
) ural vigor, and possessing the very best
business and executive abilities
Throughout life he has been noted foI
his unselish generosity. His gifts t0
benevolent purposes while in Cairo alone
amounted to over ten thousand dollars
in sums ranging from one to five hun
I. dred dollars. His personal friendship 1:
unbounded where he forms an attach
lnent nothing but the grossest perfidy
| can ever shake H.