Christopher Ludwick

Background

Christopher Ludwick was born on October 17, 1720 at Giessen, in Hesse, formerly Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. He was the son of Heinrich Ludwig, a successful baker, and Catherine Hiffle Ludwig.

Education

Ludwick was taught the trade of baker by his father. When he was fourteen he was sent to a free school and given the rudiments of an education.

Career

At seventeen Ludwick enlisted as a soldier, fought against the Turks (1737 to 1740), and later took part in the seventeen weeks' siege of Prague. After the surrender, in 1741, he enlisted in the army of the King of Prussia, and shortly afterward, peace having been declared, was discharged and went to London. There he signed up as baker on an East Indiaman, and after three and a half years spent in India, returned to London in 1745. He visited his native town, where he learned that his father had died and left him his entire estate. It consisted principally of a freehold, which young Ludwick converted into money--five hundred guilders. Back to London he hastened, his pockets filled; and when he reached his last shilling, once more he went to sea, this time as a common sailor. For the succeeding seven years (1745 - 1752), he made voyages to the West Indies and to European ports. Desiring to quit the sea, he invested £25 in ready-made English clothing and in 1753 embarked for Philadelphia. Having sold the clothing there for four times its cost, he went back to London, where he spent nine months learning to bake gingerbread and make confectionery.

The following year he returned to Philadelphia, taking with him implements for the bakery which he soon started in Laetitia Court of that city. His business prospered, and he became a respected figure in the neighborhood, being alluded to as "The Governor of Laetitia Court. " Frugal as well as industrious, at the time of the Revolution he was the possessor of nine houses, a farm in Germantown, and £3, 500, Pennsylvania currency, at interest. He actively supported the war, on one occasion subscribing £200 for firearms, and in the summer of 1776 volunteering in the flying camp and refusing to draw either pay or rations. Upon his request, Congress gave him permission to visit the Hessian camp on Staten Island, disguised as a deserter. Once among the mercenaries, he reminded them that they were slaves, and invited them to follow him to Philadelphia, where they could live in comfort and in freedom. Hundreds of desertions followed, and the deserters were placed in Ludwick's charge by Congress, which voted him money for the purpose.

His loyalty, integrity, and business ability were so highly regarded that on May 3, 1777, Congress, by a resolution, appointed him superintendent of bakers and director of baking in the Continental Army. He was everywhere known in the army and was permitted almost as much freedom as the Commander-in-Chief himself. Washington was very fond of him, addressed him as "old gentleman, " and called him "my honest friend. " He was frequently in private conference with Washington and often dined with him when large companies were present. He was always referred to as the Baker General, and was familiarly called "General, " although his title was superintendent.

When the war was ended, Ludwick returned to find that his home in Germantown had been plundered by the British, and that he had scarcely any ready cash; but he would neither borrow money nor buy on credit. In 1785 Washington wrote what might be termed a certificate of character for him, attesting his patriotism and other virtues.

His private donations were large for one of his means. During the yellow-fever epidemic in Philadelphia, in 1797, he volunteered his services to bake bread for the stricken. He left the residue of his estate to his executors to be used in providing free education for poor children; the entire fund to be given to such free schools as should be established before the lapse of five years after his death.

Achievements

• Ludwick became a prominent businessman in the British North American colonies and later the United States during the late eighteenth century. He amassed significant wealth from his culinary skills and expanded his bakery shop business and other business endeavors. Christopher was also noted for donating substantial sums to churches and various charities in Philadelphia.

Religion

Ludwick remained faithful to Lutheran Church throughout his life.

Views

Ludwick was a staunch advocate of the American Revolution.

Connections

In 1755 Ludwick married Mrs. Catharine England, a widow. His first wife died in 1795, and in 1798 he married Mrs. Sophia Binder.

Father:

Heinrich Ludwig

Mother:

Catherine Hiffle Ludwig

Spouse:

Sophia Binder

Spouse:

Catharine England

References

• The Lives of Eminent Philadelphians, Now Deceased: Collected From Original and Authentic Sources (Classic Reprint)
• The German Element in the United States with Special Reference to Its Political, Moral, Social, and Education Influence (Vol. 1) 1909
• An Account of the Life and Character of Christopher Ludwick: Late Citizen of Philadelphia, and Baker-General of the Army of the United States During the Revolutionary War (Classic Reprint)
• The Story of an Old Farm: Or Life in New Jersey in the Eighteenth Century (Classic Reprint)