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Pennsylvania Trails History and Genealogy

Ludwig, Wilson P.

"WILSON P. LUDWIG, general manager and a member of the firm of M. S. Young & Co., dealers in hardware, was born in South Whitehall Township, October 15, 1857. He attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, when he entered the employ of the hardware firm of Siegfried, Ludwig & Co. He remained with this establishment until 1875 when his father retired from the firm, and he then became a salesman with the newly organized firm of Siegfried, Smith & Co. Later he was with Bittner, Hunsicker & Co., with whom he continued until 1879, when he entered the employ of M. S. Young & Co., iron and hardware dealers. He was confidential clerk and buyer with the firm until January, 1893, when he was admitted into partnership with his associates, Reuben P. Steckel and Edward M. Young. The firm is one of the leading commercial concerns of Allentown, and under Mr. Ludwig’s management has become recognized as a leader in the hardware trade of cities throughout eastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ludwig is a keen, active-minded, influential and public-spirited business man. He always has been interested in movements designed for the public good, and is of the type through whom Allentown has become one of the leading commercial centers in the East.

During his career as a business man, he has been very active in the up-building and development of the city. He is deeply interested in the public schools and for seventeen years served as school director, and served four terms as a member of the board of control.

Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of Greenleaf Lodge of Masons; Allen Lodge of Odd Fellows, and St. John’s Reformed Church. He is also prominently identified with the Rotary Club in Allentown. He married Mary C. Hagenbuch, a daughter of George and Barbara (Foelker) Hagenbuch. His one son, Ralph G. Ludwig, is associated with his father in the hardware business."