Biographical Sketch of

Peter Wincell

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 644


Peter Wincell, a respected citizen of Marquette County, living on section 16, in the town of Montello, was 
born in Germany, Sept. 20, 1840, and is one of eight children born to Andrew and Julia (Arnold) Wincell, 
both of whom were natives of Germany, where their marriage was celebrated in 1826.  Of their family of six 
sons and two daughters, five are living at this writing (in 1889), namely:  Mathias, who is married and lives 
in Minnesota; John, who is married and located in Illinois; Michael, who is married and resides in Fond du Lac; 
Julius, who is married and makes his home in Montello.  Accompanied by his family, Andrew Wincell sought a 
home in the New World in 1845, and chose a location in Waukesha County, in the Territory of Wisconsin, where 
he resided for six years, removing thence to the town of Harris, Marquette County.  Some years later he 
changed his place of residence to Montello, and now resides with our subject.
 
The subject of this sketch is numbered among the early settlers of Marquette County, and since his sixth year 
has resided in Wisconsin.  He has therefore witnessed much of the growth and progress of the State, and since 
arriving at years of manhood has done all in his power to advance its best interests.  When twenty-seven years 
of age he was united in marriage with Miss Gusta Buholtz, a lady of German descent and a daughter of Martin and 
Caroline Buholtz, who died in their native country long since.  Mrs. Wincell came to America with her brother-in-
law, Albert Zimrow, who still resides in the town of Mecan, Marquette County.  The lady was born in 1846, and the 
marriage took place in 1867.  They became parents of seven children, but five of that number they have laid to 
rest in the beautiful cemetery at Montello, all dying in infancy.  But one son and one daughter yet survive--
Julius, aged sixteen years; and Elizabeth, who is now thirteen years of age.
 
Mr. Wincell served his country as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion.  He enlisted in Montello, in 1864, as a 
member of the 36th Wisconsin Infantry, under the command of Col. Haskin, who was killed at Cold Harbor.  He was 
assigned to Company B, and faithfully discharged his duties as a defender of the Union cause until the engagement 
at Cold Harbor, during which charge he was seriously wounded by a minie ball passing through his left foot, which 
caused the amputation of that member.  After serving six months, being unfitted for duty, he was honorably 
discharged.  The Government expresses its gratitude for duty faithfully performed and sympathy for his misfortune 
by giving him an adequate pension.  Not long after his return from the South, Mr. Wincell was married, and since 
that time has devoted his attention to farming, in which he is still engaged.  He supports the Democratic party, 
and as every true American citizen should do, feels an interest in political affairs, but has never been a 
politician in the sense of office-seeking.  He is a member of the Catholic Church, and consistently follows the 
teachings of that faith.






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