WINN, DAVID READ EVANS, 1831-1863.
David Read Evans Winn papers, 1861-1962 (bulk 1861-1863)

Restrictions on access

Special restrictions apply: Due to the fragile nature of the original correspondence, researchers are asked to use the photocopies. Originals are located in an oversized papers box (OP1).

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Gift of Dean F. Winn, 1961. Abbie Dillard donated additions in 1988.

Custodial History

Dean F. Winn was the grandson of David Read Evans Winn. Abbie Dillard's relationship to Winn is unknown.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], David Read Evans Winn papers, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Appraisal Note

Acquired as part of the Rose Library's holdings in the history of the Civil War.

Processing

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Biographical Note

Lieutenant Colonel. David Read Evans Winn (July 5, 1831-July 1, 1863) enlisted and was elected First Lieutenant, Company K, (Sumter Light Guards), 4th Georgia Regiment, on April 27, 1861. The regiment was mustered in at Augusta, Ga. May 2, 1861. Winn was born in Camden, S.C., the son of John D. Winn and the great-grandson of Col. John Winn of Winnsboro, S.C., Revolutionary patriot and soldier and a member of the South Carolina Provincial Congress. David moved with his father to Macon, Ga. at the age of four years and later to Perry, Houston County, Georgia where he probably received his early education.

He received a degree from Jefferson Medical College on March 6, 1852. He located in Americus, Ga., and practiced there until April 1861. In 1854 he married Frances Mary Dean, graduate of Wesleyan College, daughter of James Dean, banker and planter, of Macon. From this marriage there were two sons, Cooper David Winn and James Dean Winn (died 1863). Lieutenant Winn became Captain, April 28, 1862; Major, Sept. 24, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel, Nov. 1, 1862. He was killed in action at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.

According to records held by the Georgia Department of Archives and History concerning burials in Laurel Hill Cemetery, David Read Evans Winn was buried in lot 853, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia, September 24, 1871.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of papers of David Read Evans Winn from 1861-1863. The papers include correspondence and transcriptions of correspondence, genealogical information, military documents, and a photograph.

The correspondence consists mainly of letters from Winn to his wife, Frances, written from Georgia and Virginia during the Civil War. In them he discusses morale of the troops; economic conditions; his body servant, Alick; fellow officers; and the battles of Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. Of particular interest are three letters in which Winn mentions Jewish Confederate soldiers (December 12, 1861, July 9, 1862, and July 17, 1862). One letter is from staff officers to Winn's widow; it includes resolutions enacted upon his death; another letter concerns the disposition of his body. An editorial about him is from the Americus, Georgia, newspaper. Military documents include his commission as a lieutenant colonel. The photograph is a reproduction of an original and depicts Winn in a Confederate uniform.