In 1881, mineral deposits were discovered and a mining camp sprung up named Fairview. Fairview grew despite Indian threats and in 1886 Frank H. Winston established a store. Mr. Winston had been living in nearby Grafton but until his death in 1929 he was Fairview's leading citizen. He was a state legislator, a miner, a rancher and a businessman. During hard times, he gave credit at his general store even though he knew he had little chance of getting repaid.
In 1930, citizens of the Fairview changed their town's name to Winston, to honor him.