09/09/2026
From Our History — Rev. Thomas Jefferson Winfrey
As we continue uncovering the history of Burkesville First Methodist Church, we are learning more about the remarkable people who helped shape our congregation.
Rev. Thomas Jefferson Winfrey (1845–1905) was one of our early pastors, serving the Burkesville Methodist congregation around 1890–1892.
But Rev. Winfrey’s story began long before he came to Burkesville.
Born August 10, 1845, Winfrey served during the Civil War as a private in Company H of the 3rd Kentucky Infantry. An 1885 newspaper account identifies him as a Civil War veteran and shows him helping organize an association of Union veterans in Russell County.
His service didn’t end with the war. Winfrey became a Methodist minister and was also active in the civic life of Russell County. Contemporary newspaper records tell us that he served as Russell County Jailer, held other public positions, and was a candidate for Russell County Judge.
On August 2, 1905, Rev. Winfrey died suddenly at Jamestown, just eight days before his 60th birthday. A newspaper notice reported that he left behind a wife and several children.
His grave marker still remembers both his name and his Civil War service:
THOMAS J. WINFREY
PVT CO H 3 KY INF
CIVIL WAR
1845–1905
More than 130 years after Rev. Winfrey preached in Burkesville, the congregation he once served is still here—worshiping, serving, and sharing the Gospel.
We are grateful for those who came before us and look forward to sharing more of their stories as we continue researching the history of Burkesville First Methodist Church.
Their names deserve to be remembered. Their stories are part of our story.
