Mrs. Fred WinklemanohioOn July 21, 1886, Mrs. Fred Winkleman was found dead in her Cincinnati home from a botched abortion. The last survivor of the Miller family, she had a small fortune of $13,000 which she had given over to Fred at their marriage four months earlier.

Winkleman was arrested and freed on $5,000 bail. Police believed that Fred, a 26-year-old druggist, had intended his wife’s death in order to have free use of the money.

The scant news coverage seems to indicate that Fred had perpetrated the abortion himself. A headline in the Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal, “Poisoned His Bride,” is the only indication of the means of the abortion. I’ve also been unable to determine whether he was ever prosecuted.

Sources:

• “Arrested for a Heinous Crime,” The Holley (OH) Standard, Jul. 28, 1886
• “A Serious Accusation,” Harrisburg (PA) Patriot, Jul. 27, 1886
• “Poisoned His Bride,” Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal, Jul. 26, 1886