Re: Historical Colorado Family

Your information adds to what I have.The following is what I have found.I had surmiseed that he died some time around 1900 because of the birth date and lack of further records.

Wilhem Christof Johannes Witteborg was born October 24, 1832 in Soest in Westphalia, and was baptized November 4, 1832 at the St. George’s in the Meadow Lutheran Church. His parents were Anon Witteborg and Sophie Cosack. I found the names of his parents on the LDS genealogy web site.

Vicker’s History of Denver includes a biography of Witteborg.Vicker relates that Witteborg learned the printer’s trade in Germany.In 1857, he emigrated to the United States, where he worked as a travelling printer, first to Indianapolis, then for a while with his Brother in Texas, and finally in 1862 he settled in Leavenworth, Kansas.He married Agnes there in 1866.

Moving to Denver at some time before 1872, Witteborg was determined to begin a German language newspaper for German speaking citizens of Denver. The Rocky Mountain News of May 11, 1872 reports the first issue of the Colorado Journal, which appeared the week before on May 4.

In the next years, Witteborg bought a steam press, and in 1878 erected a building at 342 Holliday Street, between 14th and 15th. This building still stands, even though there is a new facade on the building.The very next year he built a second floor on the building, which Vicker’s describes as an outstanding piece of architecture in the city.

In the special census of 1885, the family Witteborg is listed.Their residence according to the 1876 city directory was at 23rd and Champa.The family includes William age 53 and Agnes age 42.They were very democratic about the naming of their children.The first born was 15 in 1885. Willie was named after his father.Hermann is the second son, who was 11 years old at the census.Harry is the 3rd son, 6 years old.And then there is the first daughter 3 year old Agnes.