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"Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down" – William M. Winans

William Winans (1788-1857) was one of the pioneers of Methodism in Mississippi, and a circuit rider. In the early days of the sparsely populated states, circuit riders traveled on horseback to minister to settlers and organize congregations, appointed to various geographic regions by their bishops.

He was elected the first secretary for the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, and was ordained an elder in 1816. He married Martha Dubose in 1814, and they had four children.

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