Winans was born in Avon, New York, and moved with his parents, John and Eliza (née Way), to Michigan in 1834.

His father died in the fall of 1843, and Winans moved with his mother to Hamburg Township, also in Livingston County.

Arriving July 20, he engaged in mining first on the north branch of the American River near Placerville.

During his tenure, several election reform bills were sanctioned, the most significant of which was the secret Australian ballot.

He also served as superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1927.