From Belle Village near Detmold in Lippe, Germany. Arrived May 5 1847 in New Orleans, went up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. One year later sent money for wife and 2 sons to come to farm in Drake, Mo. (Immigration record says differently as Christoph and Louise both arrive together in 1847) Became citizen on Nov 25 1856.

During the Civil war 243 his black felt Sunday hat was pilfered by a passing soldier who left his own battered hat in its place.

Biography of Leweke family indicates they raised four children. Based on the age ofs of Christoph and Louisa, they could have had daughters who were married before the Leweke family immigration. These daughters may have remained in Germany with their husbands or they may have immigrated to the US (perhaps even on the same ship as the Leweke family) but their surnames would be different.