CHARLES H. WINEMAN is one of the leading business men of Auburn. He is now carrying on a large drug store in that place, is proprietor of the breeding and training stables of Auburn and also of the Sugar Creek Stock Farm which adjoins the city limits. Other mercantile interests have also engaged his attention and to have Mr. Wineman connected with and interested in any enterprise insures its success.

In giving a record of his life we will go back to the founding of the family in America. His grandfather, Frederick Wineman, a German by birth, came to America during the days of his early manhood and settled in Pennsylvania where he married. He was a cooper by trade but after his removal to Botetourt County, Va., followed farming in connection with his chosen occupation and became a well-to-do citizen. In the Revolutionary War he served his adopted country, valiantly aiding in her struggle for independence. He was a member of the Baptist Church and died in that faith in Virginia. His son, Philip, the father of our subject, was born in Botetourt County, September 9, 1801, and left his native State only on reaching the age of twenty-two, when in the fall of 1824, he emigrated westward.

The father of our subject on horseback made his way to Sangamon County, Ill., when he began working on Sugar Creek at fifty cents per day making rails. This he followed until he had acquired money enough to enter a claim. He located on land on section 1, but afterward sold and removed to section 10, the present farm of our subject. He made several trips to and from Virginia on horseback in those early days and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life in the West. He drove his stock to market at St. Louis, and went to mill at Edwardsville. He began at the very bottom round of the ladder of life but worked his way upward step by step to the high plain where the sun of prosperity shone upon his efforts unbroken by the shadows of adversity or difficulty. He transformed the raw prairie into a fine farm and devoted himself to raising grain and cattle. At the time of his death he was the largest landowner and stock feeder in the county, his landed possessions aggregating some two thousand acres of the rich prairie. He was public spirited, ready to aid in any enterprise for the advancement of the general welfare. He laid out the first addition to Auburn, gave his support to educational interests and identified himself with everything that would benefit the community. His death occurred in September, 1884.

Philip Wineman was twice married. On the 11th of August, 1825, he wedded Jane Crow, a native of Kentucky, and his second marriage celebrated March 23, 1853, was with Sarah A. Morrell who was born on the 4th of July, 1822, in Maine, where her girlhood days were spent. With her brother she came to Illinois. She is still living at the age of about seventy years. In religious faith she is a Baptist. Of the first union there were born seven children, five of whom grew to mature years - America, wife of R. C. Jones, died in Auburn Township; Sylvanus died in Auburn Township; in 1875; James P. died in childhood; William P. and Hayden S. are living in Auburn Township; Virginia E., is the wife of George Bigler, of Auburn Township, who is represented in this work; and Margaret C. is now Mrs. J. B. Organ, of Virden, Macoupin County, Illinois. The children of the second marriage were George F. who died in childhood; Charles H.; Viola M., who died at the age of seven years and Millard F., at the age of ten years.

Mr. Wineman did not come to the people of Sangamon County a stranger already attained to man's estate, wishing to here engage in business but from childhood up his lived in their midst and they have seen the development of an upright and worthy character to which they can give their confidence and respect. He was born in Auburn Township September 1, 1855, and reared upon his father's farm. He attended the common schools of Auburn, pursued a scientific course in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington and then laid aside his text books to aid his father in the labors of the farm. At the age of nineteen he took upon himself the control of all the affairs, including the business interests. He possesses natural business ability of a high order and early developed a self-reliance and steadfastness of character which have marked his entire career.

In Catawba, Roanoke County, Va., Mr. Wineman was united in marriage with Miss Lou, daughter of George Painter, who was an extensive farmer and miller of Roanoke county, where she was born and reared. He returned with his young bride to this county and continued farming with excellent success until failing health caused him to abandon that occupation and he came to Auburn. He purchased the drug business of Hamlin Bros., became a registered pharmacist and has carried on operations in that line continuously since. He has a fine store, carries an excellent stock and receives a liberal share of public patronage. Other interests have also occupied his time and attention. He started a harness shop and made it one of the largest establishments of its kind in the place but after two years sold out. He also embarked in the restaurant and confectionery business and disposed of that store after a year. His next venture was as a lumber dealer and for three years he carried on business with W. H. Hummel as a partner. He has since disposed of his stock but still owns the buildings and the site upon which they are located.

A lover of horses, it does not seem strange that Mr. Wineman has succeeded so well as a stock dealer for he takes pride in his horses and makes their needs a study. Sugar Creek farm contains three hundred and twenty acres of land which is improved with fine buildings and all the necessary conveniences. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land a short distance to the west of Auburn, a residence and some fine lots in the city. The greater part of his land he rents. In 1886 he built his stables which are nicely arranged and brought the first standard-bred horse - Freed Wheelock, to Auburn. He now has over twenty-five standard-bred horses and has indeed, as he expressed it, "been surprisingly successful." He is the owner of the finest-bred horses in the county, including Fred Wheeler, which was sired by Richard Wheelock, and is the speediest horse in the barn; Kentucky Jim with a record of 2:28; Moxie Hiatoga, with a record of 2:27; Lacky, of the Blue bull stock; Banana, sired by Beaumont; and Kittie Wineman, with a pacing record of 2:27½. His finest-bred horse, Ella Field, carries off the premium wherever shown. Mr. Wineman is Vice-President of the Central Illinois Trotting and Pacing Association, with headquarters at Springfield, and also Director of the same. He takes his horses with him and attends the races of various neighboring states. He is a member of the Sangamon County Fair Association and has done not a little in the interests of the fair which is held annually. He is a Director of the Auburn Building and Loan Association, is a member of the City council and holds the office of School Director. In politics he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles and has frequently served as delegate to county and State conventions of his party. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he holds the office of Clerk, and in the social world are held in high regard. They have one child, a daughter, Ada.