Dennis Wilson Winn

Dennis Wilson Winn was born Dec 11, 1826 in Madison, Alabama to Miner and Nancy Wilson Winn. Dennis was a member of the Mormon Battalion. Dennis is a Pioneer of Richmond. Dennis was a veteran of the Indian Wars.

History

The early history of Dennis is unknown. In 1836, the Winn family was introduced to the Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were soon baptized, but Dennis was not baptized until 1839, after the Winn family had moved to Illinois to live with the Saints.

The Winn family lived in Adams County, Illinois, until the assassination of Church President Joseph Smith in 1844. They moved to Iowa to seek safety and stayed until they had the means to move west to the Rocky Mountains.

After his release from the Mormon Battalion, Dennis stayed in California for a year before making the journey to Utah. Dennis married Margaret Bateman on Jan 2, 1849 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1860, the Winn family was called to help settle Cache Valley and made Richmond their home.

Military Service

Mormon Battalion

In 1846, the United States Military asked for the recruitment of 500 men to join the American-Mexican War, called the Mormon Battalion. Dennis joined the Mormon Battalion the same year and was appointed a Private in Company A. Personal records of Dennis' time in the Battalion do not exist. He was released from active duty in July 16, 1847 in San Diego, California.

Indian Wars

After the construction of the Richmond Fort in 1860 and other forts in Cache Valley, the Territory of Utah created the Cache Military District on Oct 15, 1861 with Church Apostle Ezra T. Benson as Colonel. On June 16, 1863, Richmond was organized into two companies of Infantry. Dennis was appointed as a Lieutenant in both instances.

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