John C. Winchester, second son of Layden and Clarissa (Campbell) Winchester, was born in Ellery, Chautauqua County, NY 27 Feb 1828. When he was four years old his parents moved to Chester, Geauga County, Ohio.

In May, 1852, Mr. Winchester bought 80 acres of land in Byron township in section 14, 50 of which was under good cultivation.

He married 8 Sep 1855 Mary A. Chilson, daughter of Seth and Amelia (Pittsinger) Chilson, a native of the county of Ashtabula, Ohio, where she was born 19 Feb 1838. Their home was blessed with two children; Cora A., 18 May 1858 and Emma E., 25 Apr 1862. Emma died 29 Aug 1864. Mr. Winchester was one of the earliest pioneers in the township. When he settled within its borders it was almost wholly unbroken forest. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, Co. I. Mich Engr & Mech. Three brothers were in the Union army, one with him in the same company. They were republicans in politics