Katharina Melanchthon (born Krapp) (1497 - 1557)

Katharina Krapp was born in Wittenberg, Germany in October, 1497. Her father was an influential merchant and, at one point, mayor if the city. Katharina secured her memory in history through her marriage to the University of Wittenberg professor, Philipp Melanchthon on November 25,1520. Melanchthon was a close associate of Martin Luther and a theoretician of the reform movement.

The scholar, Melanchthon, did not wish to marry in that hewas concerned that family life would distract him from his academic work, however many of his associates, including Luther, urged him to marry. He gave in and on November 25, 1520 married Katharina Krapp. In the early days of the marriage he was less than pleased with the arrangement, but Katharina proved herself to be an excellent housekeeper, cook and manager of family matters. Gradually a genuine affection developed between the two. Katharina, who had a zest for life, even managed to induce Melanchthon to relax a bit and enjoy social activities. The couple had fourchildren, Anna, 1552, Philipp, 1525, Georg, 1527 and Magdalena, 1533. The Melanchtons were close to the Luthers (Martin and Katharina) but there seem to have been occasional conflicts between Mrs. Melanchthon and Mrs.Luther.