His family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1885 where Winsor attended high school and became a journeyman printer.

[1] Upon his arrival in Arizona, Winsor became active in the Democratic party and an outspoken advocate of progressive politics.

[4] While at the Daily Globe, Winsor wrote the first editorials in the territory supporting initiative, referendum and reform.

Following passage of the legislation, in March 1909, he was appointed to be the first territorial historian by Governor Joseph Henry Kibbey.

[2] Additionally he assisted the Committee on Style, Revision, and Compilation with the final wording of the produced document.

[8] After Arizona achieved statehood in 1912, Winsor served briefly as secretary to Governor George W. P. Hunt before being appointed Chairman of the State Land Commission.

[5] After leaving the legislature, Winsor was appointed State Librarian and Director of the Department of Library and Archives in 1932.