Background
He was born in Drammen as the son of Johan Fredrik Winsnes and his wife Barbara Holm. His father had been a parish priest to Råde in Østfold, later in Stange in Hedmark.
He was born in Drammen as the son of Johan Fredrik Winsnes and his wife Barbara Holm. His father had been a parish priest to Råde in Østfold, later in Stange in Hedmark.
He graduated from the University of Copenhagen as candidate.theol.
With laud in 1814. He was then appointed as vicar in Trysil in Hedemark in 1820, Hurdal in Akershus in 1822, Aurdal in Nord-Aurdal in 1827. He was assigned to Brunlaugnes (now Brunlanes) in Larvik in 1830 where he was also he was the first mayor of the municipality during the period 1838-1846. He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament in 1839, 1842 and 1844, representing the constituency of Jarlsberg og Laurviks Amt (now Vestfold).
He subsequently returned to the priesthood as dean at Vang, Hedemark.
He retired in 1870. They had several children. Their granddaughter Barbra Ring was a notable author