J. M. Winchester
J. M. Winchester, London, the oldest clothing merchant and a life-resident of London, was born in the village November 9, 1828. His father, Alvah Winchester, was a native of New York, and in early life accompanied his parents to Ohio. They came down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Penn., on a raft, and located on the Colerain road, near Cincinnati, and soon after entered a piece of land in Clark County, Ohio, where his father, Lyman Winchester, died. Alvah Winchester came to this county a short time afterward, and was one of the first tailors to locate and do business in the then small village of London. His trade increased, and he finally opened a clothing house, and enjoyed a good trade until his death, January 8. 1863, aged sixty-five years. His wife was Matilda Barnett. a native of Tennessee, who bore him ten children, four living, and three still residents of London. Mrs. Winchester departed this life July 26, 1865, at about the same age as her husband. Our subject was the sixth child of this large family, and in early life assisted his father. He also learned the tailor's trade, and worked at it until 1853, when he became associated in business with his father, under the firm name of A. Winchester & Son. The firm did business under this name until the death of the senior partner, when his son purchased the stock and trade, and has since carried on the business. Mr. Winchester has met with very fair success in business, and is well esteemed by his numerous friends throughout Madison County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Lodge, Chapter and Council of London, and Republican in political matters. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock, December 31, 1857, to Margaret Southern, a native of Maryland, who accompanied her parents to Ohio when quite young. Four children have been born to this union, three living -- John and Dennis W., with their father in the store, and Nettie. Stephen is deceased. Mrs. Winchester is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]