Harman Wynkoop, Last of Pioneer Family, Dies at 86
Harman Wynkoop, Last of Pioneer Family, Dies at 86.

Harman Wynkoop, Last of Pioneer Family, Dies at 86.

    Harman H. Wynkoop, last link of his generation with a famous family of Colorado pioneers, died Sunday night in a local hospital at the age of 86 years.

    Mr. Wynkoop was born in Dauphin, PA., on December 6, 1872, the youngest of eight children of Major Edward W. Wynkoop and his wife, ne� Louisa Matilda Brown, both of whom were well-known among the early pioneers of Denver, Colorado.

    Mr. Wynkoop's father was sent out to Colorado in 1858 by Governor Denver of Kansas to be the first sheriff of Arapahoe County. He played a prominent part in the founding of the Colorado capitol, and according to family tradition, which history does not contradict, it was he who suggested the naming of the city after the Governor. The name of Wynkoop in downtown Denver commemorates his part in the founding of Denver.

    The elder Wynkoop was the leader of the flanking attack by which the Colorado troops in the Civil War defeated the Texans of the Confederacy at Glori�ta, N.M. As a noted Indian fighter and conciliator, his name is remembered with honor in connection with the controversial affair at Sand Creek. The redskins called him "the Tall Chief who will not lie."

    In later years Mr. Wynkoop senior turned to his family business of coal minng in Pennsylvania, during which time his youngest son, Harman H., was born in that state. After this he prospected at Deadwood City, and was actually sitting in on the poker game during which Wild Bill Hickock was shot. In 1881, the family moved to New Mexico, where the late Harman was educated.

    Mr. Wynkoop's mother was born Louisa Matilda Brown in London, England, and came to Denver City as a member of the first theatrical company, which opened at the Apollo Theatre in Larimer Street on Oct. 3, 1859. She and her sisters Rose and Flora were famous as the beautiful "Haydee Sisters." Edward W. Wynkoop was an outstanding amateur actor in Denver, being especially admired as The Drunkard. The pair met in consequence of their theatrical activities, and were married in 1861.

    Harman Wynkoop was named after his mother's brother Harman Brown, who was a pioneer photographer in early day Leadville.

    Cornelius Wynkoop came from Amsterdam, Holland, to the new world in 1639. A Wynkoop was an officer on Washington's staff during the Revolution, and since that day it is traditional that every war had its Wynkoop. In obedience to family tradition, Harman H. Wynkoop was the second Santa Fe recruit to join up with Roosevelt's Rough Riders on the breaking out of the Spanish-American War. He served with E Troop, performing the duties of clerk, and was wounded at San Juan Hill. After the war, acting as company historian, he spent several days as the guest of the Roosevelt family at Oyster Bay, N.Y.

    Mr. Wynkoop was a printer by profession, having started as a printer's devil in Santa Fe at the age of 10. In the early 90's he set type for the Denver Times, Republican, and Rocky Mountain News.

    In 1894 he came to Colorado Springs and was employed in the composing room of the Colorado Springs Gazette.

    In Colorado Springs he met his future wife, Goldie Fort, a direct descendant on her mother's side of Daniel Boone. They were married in Chicago, where Mrs. Wynkoop also practiced a profession of a type-setter. Subsequently the couple returned to Santa Fe, and then to Colorado Springs, where Mrs. Wynkoop died last spring.

    Mr. Wynkoop will be interred near his father's grave in the Veteran's Cemetery at Santa Fe, where funeral services will be held.


Source:

Unknown, "Harman Wynkoop, Last of Pioneer Family, Dies at 86", Colorado Springs Gazette Telegram, Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday 17 November 1959


Acknowledgement:

    This article was sent to me ages ago by Kevin Wynkoop, [email protected], Harman's great-grandson and a fine family historian in his own right.

    Sorry about the long delay, Kevin! Some things just get away from you, no matter how hard you try.

    All my best,

    Chris

Created March 5, 2001; Revised September 17, 2003
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