***Please note that Louis J. Winston, who was born in Natchez in 1844 (or 1848); served as Adams County Clerk of Court for twenty years; and died in Lexington, Mississippi, in 1918, was not a Confederate veteran. For the Find A Grave memorial of the Louis Winston from Adams County who served as a bugler in the C.S.A., see Louis Winston.***
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"Well Known Negro to Be Buried Here
The remains of Louis J. Winston, who died in Lexington, Miss., Wednesday, Sept. 11th, arrived via the Y. & M. V. Railroad at 8 o'clock Thursday night. Louis J. Winston was a recognized leader among the colored race, was well known in Natchez, where he served as Circuit Clerk for 20 years and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his death came as a shock to not only the members of his family, but to a wide circle of friends. By profession a lawyer he had a large practice. The remains were taken to the residence of his son, Louis L. Winston in Saint Catherine St., and due notice of the funeral will be given. Deceased was supreme grand master and founder of the Woodmen of Union, of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. He had been in ill health for some few months past."
Natchez Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, 13 September 1918, page 2 col. 1.
"In Memory of Supreme President of the W.O.U.
Louis J. Winston, born in Natchez, Miss., August 27th., 1848. In the great Civil War, but a boy, during reconstruction, but a youth, though imbued with that seemingly imperative ambition to better his condition, mentally, morally and otherwise, he became a student of the Abraham Lincoln type, and from an assiduous application to the three R's he from a chrysalis state of semi-ignorance, became a man of much knowledge. He at this time married Hannah E. Holmes, and the union was blessed with five children, all of whom show by their daily walking in life, the precept of their father. The children are Samuel J. Winston, Louis L. Winston, Frank Winston, Ruth W. Howard, wife of W. F. Howard, M. D., of Jackson, Miss., and Charlotte W. Howard, wife E. E. Howard, M. D., of Meridian, Miss. On the 1st. Monday in January 1876 Louis J. Winston was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Adams Co., Miss., and acceptably and ably filled said position until the 1st. Monday in January 1896. In the meantime, being ambitious, asked for and was granted a license to practice law. Since 1896 he devoted his time to the practice of his profession and at the same time doing everything lawful for the amelioration of his race…He died in the harness, so to speak, as Supreme President and former and founder of the Woodmen of Union, a fraternal and benevolent organization, whose object was to do good to all men, and evil to none and when other fraternal orders failed, the 'Woodmen of Union' which was born out of the fertile brain of our late brother, L. J. Winston, continued to flourish and grow because of the splendid way in which it was founded. Among the many other places of trust which our late friend held, was collector of the Port of Natchez, the appointment being given him by our late martyred President William McKinley, our departed friend holding this responsible position for a period of about eight years. Fellowman he was a man of great vision, always being able to see through the dark and stormy clouds and find the silver lining of hope of better days to come…
To the friends and members of the W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction it is with sadness that I announce to you the death of our beloved Supreme President of the W. O. U., Hon. L. J. Winston, who passed into the great beyond last Wednesday, September 11th, at 8 a.m. He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Ruth W. Howard in Lexington, Miss., and was buried at his old home in Natchez, Miss., Sunday, September 15th, 1918, with Woodmen honors by the Supreme Lodge Woodmen of Union, which was largely attended by his many friends…and it was thrilling and inspiring to hear his…friends speak in terms of his real worth and how creditably he filled the offices mentioned else where, and that his records as county clerk are still being used as models. I am sure I voice the sentiment of the entire W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction when I say we moan the loss of this brilliant character but in humble obedience we bow to the will of him that doest all things well. His place will now be filled by our beloved Vice President Dr. E. A. Kendall, Marvell, Ark., who by virtue of his office became President of this great organization. I am
Fraternally in L. T. J.
JNO. L. WEBB,
Custodian W. O. U."
Yahoo Herald, Yahoo City, Mississippi, 27 September 1918, page 6, col. 4.
Notes:
The tribute by Mr. Webb excerpted above was lightly edited to correct spelling and typographical errors. The birth date it cites, 27 August 1848, conflicts with the birth date inscribed on Mr. Winston's burial monument, 22 October 1844.
*****************************************************************
"Well Known Negro to Be Buried Here
The remains of Louis J. Winston, who died in Lexington, Miss., Wednesday, Sept. 11th, arrived via the Y. & M. V. Railroad at 8 o'clock Thursday night. Louis J. Winston was a recognized leader among the colored race, was well known in Natchez, where he served as Circuit Clerk for 20 years and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his death came as a shock to not only the members of his family, but to a wide circle of friends. By profession a lawyer he had a large practice. The remains were taken to the residence of his son, Louis L. Winston in Saint Catherine St., and due notice of the funeral will be given. Deceased was supreme grand master and founder of the Woodmen of Union, of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. He had been in ill health for some few months past."
Natchez Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, 13 September 1918, page 2 col. 1.
"In Memory of Supreme President of the W.O.U.
Louis J. Winston, born in Natchez, Miss., August 27th., 1848. In the great Civil War, but a boy, during reconstruction, but a youth, though imbued with that seemingly imperative ambition to better his condition, mentally, morally and otherwise, he became a student of the Abraham Lincoln type, and from an assiduous application to the three R's he from a chrysalis state of semi-ignorance, became a man of much knowledge. He at this time married Hannah E. Holmes, and the union was blessed with five children, all of whom show by their daily walking in life, the precept of their father. The children are Samuel J. Winston, Louis L. Winston, Frank Winston, Ruth W. Howard, wife of W. F. Howard, M. D., of Jackson, Miss., and Charlotte W. Howard, wife E. E. Howard, M. D., of Meridian, Miss. On the 1st. Monday in January 1876 Louis J. Winston was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Adams Co., Miss., and acceptably and ably filled said position until the 1st. Monday in January 1896. In the meantime, being ambitious, asked for and was granted a license to practice law. Since 1896 he devoted his time to the practice of his profession and at the same time doing everything lawful for the amelioration of his race…He died in the harness, so to speak, as Supreme President and former and founder of the Woodmen of Union, a fraternal and benevolent organization, whose object was to do good to all men, and evil to none and when other fraternal orders failed, the 'Woodmen of Union' which was born out of the fertile brain of our late brother, L. J. Winston, continued to flourish and grow because of the splendid way in which it was founded. Among the many other places of trust which our late friend held, was collector of the Port of Natchez, the appointment being given him by our late martyred President William McKinley, our departed friend holding this responsible position for a period of about eight years. Fellowman he was a man of great vision, always being able to see through the dark and stormy clouds and find the silver lining of hope of better days to come…
To the friends and members of the W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction it is with sadness that I announce to you the death of our beloved Supreme President of the W. O. U., Hon. L. J. Winston, who passed into the great beyond last Wednesday, September 11th, at 8 a.m. He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Ruth W. Howard in Lexington, Miss., and was buried at his old home in Natchez, Miss., Sunday, September 15th, 1918, with Woodmen honors by the Supreme Lodge Woodmen of Union, which was largely attended by his many friends…and it was thrilling and inspiring to hear his…friends speak in terms of his real worth and how creditably he filled the offices mentioned else where, and that his records as county clerk are still being used as models. I am sure I voice the sentiment of the entire W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction when I say we moan the loss of this brilliant character but in humble obedience we bow to the will of him that doest all things well. His place will now be filled by our beloved Vice President Dr. E. A. Kendall, Marvell, Ark., who by virtue of his office became President of this great organization. I am
Fraternally in L. T. J.
JNO. L. WEBB,
Custodian W. O. U."
Yahoo Herald, Yahoo City, Mississippi, 27 September 1918, page 6, col. 4.
Notes:
The tribute by Mr. Webb excerpted above was lightly edited to correct spelling and typographical errors. The birth date it cites, 27 August 1848, conflicts with the birth date inscribed on Mr. Winston's burial monument, 22 October 1844.
***Please note that Louis J. Winston, who was born in Natchez in 1844 (or 1848); served as Adams County Clerk of Court for twenty years; and died in Lexington, Mississippi, in 1918, was not a Confederate veteran. For the Find A Grave memorial of the Louis Winston from Adams County who served as a bugler in the C.S.A., see Louis Winston.***
*****************************************************************
"Well Known Negro to Be Buried Here
The remains of Louis J. Winston, who died in Lexington, Miss., Wednesday, Sept. 11th, arrived via the Y. & M. V. Railroad at 8 o'clock Thursday night. Louis J. Winston was a recognized leader among the colored race, was well known in Natchez, where he served as Circuit Clerk for 20 years and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his death came as a shock to not only the members of his family, but to a wide circle of friends. By profession a lawyer he had a large practice. The remains were taken to the residence of his son, Louis L. Winston in Saint Catherine St., and due notice of the funeral will be given. Deceased was supreme grand master and founder of the Woodmen of Union, of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. He had been in ill health for some few months past."
Natchez Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, 13 September 1918, page 2 col. 1.
"In Memory of Supreme President of the W.O.U.
Louis J. Winston, born in Natchez, Miss., August 27th., 1848. In the great Civil War, but a boy, during reconstruction, but a youth, though imbued with that seemingly imperative ambition to better his condition, mentally, morally and otherwise, he became a student of the Abraham Lincoln type, and from an assiduous application to the three R's he from a chrysalis state of semi-ignorance, became a man of much knowledge. He at this time married Hannah E. Holmes, and the union was blessed with five children, all of whom show by their daily walking in life, the precept of their father. The children are Samuel J. Winston, Louis L. Winston, Frank Winston, Ruth W. Howard, wife of W. F. Howard, M. D., of Jackson, Miss., and Charlotte W. Howard, wife E. E. Howard, M. D., of Meridian, Miss. On the 1st. Monday in January 1876 Louis J. Winston was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Adams Co., Miss., and acceptably and ably filled said position until the 1st. Monday in January 1896. In the meantime, being ambitious, asked for and was granted a license to practice law. Since 1896 he devoted his time to the practice of his profession and at the same time doing everything lawful for the amelioration of his race…He died in the harness, so to speak, as Supreme President and former and founder of the Woodmen of Union, a fraternal and benevolent organization, whose object was to do good to all men, and evil to none and when other fraternal orders failed, the 'Woodmen of Union' which was born out of the fertile brain of our late brother, L. J. Winston, continued to flourish and grow because of the splendid way in which it was founded. Among the many other places of trust which our late friend held, was collector of the Port of Natchez, the appointment being given him by our late martyred President William McKinley, our departed friend holding this responsible position for a period of about eight years. Fellowman he was a man of great vision, always being able to see through the dark and stormy clouds and find the silver lining of hope of better days to come…
To the friends and members of the W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction it is with sadness that I announce to you the death of our beloved Supreme President of the W. O. U., Hon. L. J. Winston, who passed into the great beyond last Wednesday, September 11th, at 8 a.m. He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Ruth W. Howard in Lexington, Miss., and was buried at his old home in Natchez, Miss., Sunday, September 15th, 1918, with Woodmen honors by the Supreme Lodge Woodmen of Union, which was largely attended by his many friends…and it was thrilling and inspiring to hear his…friends speak in terms of his real worth and how creditably he filled the offices mentioned else where, and that his records as county clerk are still being used as models. I am sure I voice the sentiment of the entire W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction when I say we moan the loss of this brilliant character but in humble obedience we bow to the will of him that doest all things well. His place will now be filled by our beloved Vice President Dr. E. A. Kendall, Marvell, Ark., who by virtue of his office became President of this great organization. I am
Fraternally in L. T. J.
JNO. L. WEBB,
Custodian W. O. U."
Yahoo Herald, Yahoo City, Mississippi, 27 September 1918, page 6, col. 4.
Notes:
The tribute by Mr. Webb excerpted above was lightly edited to correct spelling and typographical errors. The birth date it cites, 27 August 1848, conflicts with the birth date inscribed on Mr. Winston's burial monument, 22 October 1844.
*****************************************************************
"Well Known Negro to Be Buried Here
The remains of Louis J. Winston, who died in Lexington, Miss., Wednesday, Sept. 11th, arrived via the Y. & M. V. Railroad at 8 o'clock Thursday night. Louis J. Winston was a recognized leader among the colored race, was well known in Natchez, where he served as Circuit Clerk for 20 years and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his death came as a shock to not only the members of his family, but to a wide circle of friends. By profession a lawyer he had a large practice. The remains were taken to the residence of his son, Louis L. Winston in Saint Catherine St., and due notice of the funeral will be given. Deceased was supreme grand master and founder of the Woodmen of Union, of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. He had been in ill health for some few months past."
Natchez Democrat, Natchez, Mississippi, 13 September 1918, page 2 col. 1.
"In Memory of Supreme President of the W.O.U.
Louis J. Winston, born in Natchez, Miss., August 27th., 1848. In the great Civil War, but a boy, during reconstruction, but a youth, though imbued with that seemingly imperative ambition to better his condition, mentally, morally and otherwise, he became a student of the Abraham Lincoln type, and from an assiduous application to the three R's he from a chrysalis state of semi-ignorance, became a man of much knowledge. He at this time married Hannah E. Holmes, and the union was blessed with five children, all of whom show by their daily walking in life, the precept of their father. The children are Samuel J. Winston, Louis L. Winston, Frank Winston, Ruth W. Howard, wife of W. F. Howard, M. D., of Jackson, Miss., and Charlotte W. Howard, wife E. E. Howard, M. D., of Meridian, Miss. On the 1st. Monday in January 1876 Louis J. Winston was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Adams Co., Miss., and acceptably and ably filled said position until the 1st. Monday in January 1896. In the meantime, being ambitious, asked for and was granted a license to practice law. Since 1896 he devoted his time to the practice of his profession and at the same time doing everything lawful for the amelioration of his race…He died in the harness, so to speak, as Supreme President and former and founder of the Woodmen of Union, a fraternal and benevolent organization, whose object was to do good to all men, and evil to none and when other fraternal orders failed, the 'Woodmen of Union' which was born out of the fertile brain of our late brother, L. J. Winston, continued to flourish and grow because of the splendid way in which it was founded. Among the many other places of trust which our late friend held, was collector of the Port of Natchez, the appointment being given him by our late martyred President William McKinley, our departed friend holding this responsible position for a period of about eight years. Fellowman he was a man of great vision, always being able to see through the dark and stormy clouds and find the silver lining of hope of better days to come…
To the friends and members of the W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction it is with sadness that I announce to you the death of our beloved Supreme President of the W. O. U., Hon. L. J. Winston, who passed into the great beyond last Wednesday, September 11th, at 8 a.m. He died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Ruth W. Howard in Lexington, Miss., and was buried at his old home in Natchez, Miss., Sunday, September 15th, 1918, with Woodmen honors by the Supreme Lodge Woodmen of Union, which was largely attended by his many friends…and it was thrilling and inspiring to hear his…friends speak in terms of his real worth and how creditably he filled the offices mentioned else where, and that his records as county clerk are still being used as models. I am sure I voice the sentiment of the entire W. O. U. through out the jurisdiction when I say we moan the loss of this brilliant character but in humble obedience we bow to the will of him that doest all things well. His place will now be filled by our beloved Vice President Dr. E. A. Kendall, Marvell, Ark., who by virtue of his office became President of this great organization. I am
Fraternally in L. T. J.
JNO. L. WEBB,
Custodian W. O. U."
Yahoo Herald, Yahoo City, Mississippi, 27 September 1918, page 6, col. 4.
Notes:
The tribute by Mr. Webb excerpted above was lightly edited to correct spelling and typographical errors. The birth date it cites, 27 August 1848, conflicts with the birth date inscribed on Mr. Winston's burial monument, 22 October 1844.
Inscription
LOUIS J. WINSTON
OUR LATE SUPREME
PRESIDENT AND
FOUNDER OF THE W.O.U.
BORN AT NATCHEZ MISS
OCT. 22, 1844
DIED AT LEXINGTON MISS
SEPT. 11, 1918
AGE 74 YRS.
AT REST
Gravesite Details
Isaac Scott Hathaway, a notable African American artist, sculpted the bronze bust—the only one of its kind in the Natchez City Cemetery—that sits atop Mr. Winston's monument.
