John Gilbert Winant (1889-1947)
Governor of New Hampshire & U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom in WWII
He was born in New York City and graduated from Princeton before becoming assistant to the headmaster at St. Paul's School, Concord, N.H. He became involved in politics in 1916, and served as a Captain with the Aviation Corps in WWI. After the war, he and his new wife lived at her father's summer home in Princeton until 1924 when they moved to Concord where Winant was President and Treasurer of the Merrimack Realty Company, Vice-President of the Steven-Winant Lumber Co., and the newly elected 60th Governor of New Hampshire. He served three terms, earning a reputation as a progressive Republican who championed labor rights and social welfare during the Depression. In 1935, President Roosevelt appointed him the first Chairman of the Social Security Board, where he helped establish the new Social Security system.
In 1939, months before the outbreak of WWII, he was appointed Director of the International Labour Organization in Geneva, and he continued in that role until 1941 when he entered upon the most significant chapter of his career. Roosevelt appointed him Ambassador to the United Kingdom, replacing the isolationist Joseph Kennedy. Winant arrived during the Blitz and quickly became a beloved figure for his solidarity with the British people during their darkest hours. He formed a close friendship with Winston Churchill and played a crucial role in strengthening Anglo-American relations during the war. His empathetic nature and deep commitment to the British cause made him an exceptional wartime diplomat. After the war ended in 1945, he served briefly as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. However, he struggled with depression and financial difficulties. Tragically, he died by suicide in 1947 at his home in Concord, New Hampshire, a somber end to a distinguished career of public service.
In 1939, months before the outbreak of WWII, he was appointed Director of the International Labour Organization in Geneva, and he continued in that role until 1941 when he entered upon the most significant chapter of his career. Roosevelt appointed him Ambassador to the United Kingdom, replacing the isolationist Joseph Kennedy. Winant arrived during the Blitz and quickly became a beloved figure for his solidarity with the British people during their darkest hours. He formed a close friendship with Winston Churchill and played a crucial role in strengthening Anglo-American relations during the war. His empathetic nature and deep commitment to the British cause made him an exceptional wartime diplomat. After the war ended in 1945, he served briefly as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. However, he struggled with depression and financial difficulties. Tragically, he died by suicide in 1947 at his home in Concord, New Hampshire, a somber end to a distinguished career of public service.
In 1919, he married Constance, daughter and heiress of Archibald D. Russell, a well-known banker who divided his time between New York City and "Edgarstoune" (see images) in Princeton, in which the Winants made their home from 1919-23. They had 3-children.
