Winne was born April 19, 1838 in Mayfield, Fulton County, New York. He and his family moved to Wisconsin when he was 8 years of age. He remained in that state until 1863 when he relocated to Colorado to escape the Wisconsin winters. After spending a few weeks in Denver, Winne settled in Weld County on the site that later became Greeley. He was active in the Territorial Legislature and after returning to Denver served for the City and County from 1871-1873. He maintained an active real estate and insurance business and was admitted to the Colorado bar to practice law.