Ludwig Schomberg
A native of a foreign land, Ludwig Schomberg in early manhood decided to cast his lot under the stars and stripes, and today he has no reason to regret his decision, as he has obtained home, friends and a competency.
He was born in Germany, January 12, 1865, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Schomberg, both of whom were natives of the old country. The mother died in 1888, and five years later the father came to America and now lives with his son Ludwig at West Side. He has attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years. There were three children in his family, namely: Christ, who now makes his home in Nebraska; Ludwig, the subject of this review; and Elizabeth, who is deceased.
Ludwig Schomberg was reared in Germany and received his preliminary education in the public schools but has learned a great deal in the school of experience which is not set down in the books. He served for ten weeks in the German army and still remembers some of the lessons of obedience and attention then inculcated. In 1888, being then twenty-three years of age, he crossed the ocean to the new world and came to West Side, Crawford county, Iowa, where he was employed at the carpenter's trade for five years. He then worked for a similar length oi time in the lumberyard at West Side and next turned his attention to the dray business, in which he continued for five years.
However, he was again attracted to mercantile life and bought a third interest in the West Side Lumber Company, which handles coal, lumber and all kinds of building materials. The business has grown steadily and the firm is now one of the flourishing concerns of West Side, its patronage extending over a wide section of the county.
In 1892 Mr. Schomberg was united in marriage to Miss Maria Luckhardt. who was born in Germany in 1873, a daughter of Johan Luckhardt. Mr. and Mrs. Luckhardt came to America in 1885 and established their home in Crawford county, Iowa. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living in this county.
Six children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schomberg. namely: Frederick J., Hilda A., Carl C; Henry E., Ludwig W., Jr., and Alice L.
Politically, Mr. Schomberg affiliates with the republican party, whose principles he considers highly important' for the perpetuity of free institutions. He has not sought public office but he served for two years as member of the town council, showing an interest in affairs of the town that greatly pleased his supporters. He is a valued member of Setting Sun Lodge, No. 349, A. F. & A.M., and also of Camp No. 2991, M. W. A. He has served for ten years past as an officer in the latter organization. He and his wife affiliate with the German Lutheran church and are firm believers in its teachings. He owns a residence and ten acres of land in West Side, which he acquired by his well directed labors. thus providing for himself and family the comforts of a home. He is to be congratulated on the good use he has made of his opportunities and the honorable position he occupies in the community, of which he is a highly honored member.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.