Christian Cyclopedia

Leon[h]ard Koppe of Torgau helped some nuns escape from the cloister of Marienthron at Nimbschen, near Grimma, and brought 9 to Wittenberg in spring 1523. M. Luther* returned some to their former homes, placed the rest in good families; married 1 of them, Katharina von Bora (Katherine; 1499–1552; b. Saxony; Cistercian nun 1515–23), June 13, 1525. Katharina was a good wife and capable manager. Their children: (1) Johannes (Hans; June 7, 1526–October 27, 1575; studied law; employed in Weimar chancellory as adviser); (2) Elisabeth (Elizabeth; December 10, 1527–August 3, 1528); (3) Magdalene (Magdalena; May 4, 1529–September 20, 1542); (4) Martin (November 9, 1531–March 2[3?], 1565; studied theol. but never occupied a pulpit); (5) Paul (January 28, 1533–March 8, 1593; physician in several courts); (6) Margaret(a) (Margarethe; December 17, 1534–1570; m. Georg von Kuhnheim [or Kunheim] August 5, 1555). The letter Luther wrote 1530 from the Coburg to his oldest son (“Hänsichen”) is unique in literature (see also Richter, Adrian Ludwig).

Luther was an extremely fond father, but a strict disciplinarian. As a rule he fared frugally. On festivals he enjoyed a good dinner. He took relatives into his home; students and many others enjoyed his hospitality. His table talk (see Luther, Table Talk of) was recorded by various guests and later pub.