On this day in 1856, Memphis’ first Mayor and a founding member of the city, Marcus Brutus Winchester, passed away at the age of 60.
Born on May 28, 1796, Winchester served alongside his father in the War of 1812, ultimately spending time as a P.O.W. in Quebec after being captured during the Battle of River Raisin.
After the war, Winchester would collaborate with a surveyor named William Lawrence to draw up the plans for the town that would be called Memphis (named after the ancient Egyptian city which also sat by a prominent river).
In addition to becoming the first Mayor of Memphis, Winchester also served as a ferry operator and postmaster until 1849 before passing away in 1856 due to the declining health he suffered as a result of financial difficulties.
