Christian Ferdinand Ludwig Kneese (Knehse in German Church records) was born 29 November 1823 in Friedrichshagen, Grafschaft Schaumburg, Hessen-Nassau, Preußen, Deutschland to Heinrich Ferdinand Kneese (1799-1867) and Maria Catharina nee Schermer (1796-1869).

Ludwig had an older brother, Johann Friedrich Kneese (1821-1900), and a younger sister, Rosine Louisa Marie Kneese (20 June 1833 - abt. 1870), the Mrs. John H. Kline. Rosine and John left Texas for the Nevada Gold Rush sometime between 1868 and 1870. They were never heard from again and were likely killed by Indians(1).

On August 30, 1845, the family of five departed Bremen on the sailing ship Hercules. They arrived at Galveston in November where they boarded a smaller boat bound for Indianola Texas. They arrived at Indianola on 3 Dec 1845.

The family settled in Fredericksburg before 1849 and are among the original founding settlers of the city.

Ludwig was one of the founders of the Methodist Church. Before the first church was constructed, the congregation met in Ludwig's log cabin.
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Texas Rangers - Pvt. Co. C, 3rd Frontier District TST (Tx State Troops) 1864
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(Texas Historical marker #10038, 312 W. San Antonio St, Fredericksburg).
"Oldest Methodist church in the Hill Country, founded 1849 as a German mission by the Rev. Eduard Schneider. The charter members: Melchior and Rosine Bauer, Johann and Margaretha Durst, Friedrich and Sophie Ellebracht, Ernst and Dorothea Houy, Ferdinand and Maria Kneese, Ludwig Kneese, Heinrich and Catharine Steihl, Jacob and Catharine Treibs, Fritz and Fredericka (Mary) Winkel.
In 1855, during the pastorate of the Rev. C. A. Grote, a 40 x 60-foot native stone church was built. It still serves after 1912-14, 1923, and 1948-49 remodelings. (1972)"
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Ludwig (27) married Louise Buchholz (15) in Schumannsville in Guadalupe County on 09 Jun 1851. There were thirteen children born to this marriage.

Ludwig died at the age of 68 years 1 month 22 days. He was survived by his wife, twelve children, and his siblings. One daughter, Louisa Wilhelmina Kneese (1861-1863), and both parents preceded him in death.

Twelve known children's memorials are linked.
missing son's memorial;
Friedrich Ludwig Robert Kneese 28 May 1852 – about 1894 - He left on a business trip (hauling freight or trading horses as he often did) and was never heard from again, likely killed by Indians(2).

(1)(2) Source "The Heinrich Ferdinand Kneese Family, Their Kith and Kin"
Herring Printing Company, Kerrville, Tx pub 1972.