William Oldenburg was born in Holstein, Germany, February 11, 1844, where he was reared and learned the trade of cigar-maker, which he followed in the city of Hamburg until 1867, when he came to America, sailing from Hamburg in August of that year for Galveston, Texas, which place he reached November 1st, following. Having a sister, Mrs. Ahrenbeck, residing in Navastoa, he made his home there for a short time after coming to Texas, but in December of the same year he located in Galveston, where he secured work at his trade, which he followed with success for several years. In 1872 he joined the Galveston Volunteer Fire Department, and had various positions in that organization for the next twelve years, holding the position of Chief during the years 1879, 1880, 1883 and 1884. He was among the first to agitate the question of organizing a paid fire department. While connected with that department of the city he did much to promote the efficiency of the same, and at all times enjoyed great popularity, both with the men over whom he ranked and with the public at large. In 1891 Mr. Oldenburg was made superintendent of the city waterworks, which position he is now holding, the duties of which he is discharging with his customary fidelity. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Herman Lodge, No. 5; the Knights of Pythias, Schiller Lodge, No. 56; Chosen Friends, Frederick Council, No. 38; Sons of Herman, Gulf Lodge, No. 46; the Galveston Turn Verein; the German Workingman's Benevolent Society, and the Galveston Mænnerchor, in several of which societies he holds official positions. In 1866 Mr. Oldenburg married, at Hamburg, Germany, Miss Catherine Bleuse, who was born in Cassel, Germany. The offspring of this union has been one daughter and four sons. The daughter is Mrs. George H. Nichols, and the sons are William, John, Albert and Paul.
History of Texas, together with a biographical history of the cities of Houston and Galveston, etc., Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1895