Joseph Winston was born in Virginia on June 17, 1746. His ancestor was one of five brothers from Winston Hall, Yorkshire, England, who came to Hanover county, Virginia, in the 17th century.
Joseph received a fair education, and at the age of seventeen joined a company of rangers. While pursuing a party of hostile Indians they fell into an ambush, and young Winston was twice wounded, one of the balls remaining in his body till his death. He was then pensioned by the legislature and in 1766 moved to Surry County, North Carolina.
In 1775 he was a member of the Hillsborough convention and in February, 1776, he was in the expedition against the Scotch Tories. In the same year he was made ranger of Surry County and Major of Militia, serving against the Cherokees. In 1777 he was a member of the legislature and of the commission that made a treaty with the Cherokee people.
In 1780 he took part again in partisan warfare with the Tories, and at King's Mountain he led the right wing, and was conspicuous for his bravery, contributing greatly toward the victory. For his services on this day the legislature afterward gave him a sword.
After defeating a band of loyalists in a running fight in February, 1781, he took part in the battle of Guilford Courthouse. Both Major Joseph Winston and his subordinate, Captain Jesse Franklin led the Surry County Riflemen against the Hessians and Tarleton's dragoons in the last action of the battle.
Following the war Winston represented Surry County in the State Senate for three terms and when Stokes County was formed became the first Senator from that county, serving five times between 1790 and 1812. From 1793 to 1795, and again from 1803 to 1807, he was a member of the United States Congress.
The county-seat of Forsyth county, North Carolina, Winston-Salem is named in part for him.
Winston died near Germantown, North Carolina, April 21, 1815. His body was moved long after his death and placed at Guilford Courthouse near the Winston Monument. The figure atop the Monument depicts Winston waving his troops into battle. Winston was reburied along with Captain Franklin at the site.
To record your own visit to this waymark, take a photo of the grave and/or the Winston Monument and upload it with your log. Logs must contain at least one photo from your visit. Thanks.The Winston Monument:
Winston's Gravesite:
Winston's Grave Marker:
Visit Instructions:PLEASE NOTE: This category is for American Revolutionary War Veterans only. Veterans of other revolutions are not part of this category.
I have allowed one entry for a grave of British solders, but it was an exception. Please only list graves for Colonial soldiers.
Simply visit the locations. Please provide as much information as possible. Pictures would be a great addition.