Frederick Winkler. The name Winkler has long been prominent in the annals of Riley County and especially in the northern part where, on Francy Creek, the first permanent grist-mill in the county was built by August Winkler, a brother of the late Frederick Winkler. The former came to Riley County in 1857, and the latter in 1860. The Winkler brothers became joint proprietors of Winkler’s Mill, which was a landmark, and operated it for many years together. Frederick Winkler continued to operate the mill until within five or six years of his death. Constructed of native stone, the old mill still stands as a monument to the thrift and enterprise of the Winkler brothers, and the near-by village and postoffice of Winkler was named in their honor.
Frederick Winkler was born in Saxony, Germany, January 6, 1836, and died in Riley County, Kansas, November 15, 1900. In the spring of 1860 he came to the United States, following his older brother’s example, and immediately joined him in Riley County, Kansas. Perhaps nothing contributed more to the health and contentment of early settlers in any section than the establishing of a grist mill and no doubt the Winkler brothers found many to encourage them in their enterprise. The old mill was patronized well and was a paying property during almost its entire period of use. In addition to his mill interests, Frederick Winkler was a large land owner and became an extensive farmer and stock raiser. His different business undertakings proved successful, but they were never speculative, his ample fortune being amassed along legitimate lines, and he prized his reputation as a man of honest and upright character. He was a faithful member of the German Lutheran Church.
Mr. Winkler was married to Miss Pauline Vogler, who was born in Germany. She survived her husband about thirteen years, passing away at the age of seventy-two, mourned by her children and the community, for she was kind and helpful to every one. She was a member of the German Lutheran Church. Five children survive Mr. and Mrs. Winkler, namely: Flora, Theodore, August, Sophia and Frederick. The present Frederick Winkler resides on the old home place where he was born October 4, 1880, and is considered one of the most dependable citizens and most successful farmers and stockmen in this section of Riley County. In 1913 he was united in marriage with Miss Erna Kunze. Like his late father he is a democrat in his political opinions.