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Ludwig Beckmann was born on February 4, 1845 in Doberan,Germany. He recieved his education at the University of Rostock. He worked in Berlin and Paris building astronomical instruments during the years 1864-1870. He then took his talents to America, arriving in New York in 1870 and staying there until 1873 when he removed to Toledo, Ohio.
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In 1874 he began building and selling surveying instruments. He quickly became known for the accuracy and affordability of his instruments. He built his own dividing engines, the first being built in 1878, second in 1900, and the last completed in 1914. His company, L. Beckmann Co. was incorporated in 1903 and by that time was selling instruments all over the country.
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L. Beckmann remained active in the company until his death on August 30, 1914. After that his son, L. Beckmann, Jr. ran the company, and was key to the building of the new factory on Jackson St. in 1913. The manufacture of surveying instruments continued until December 1940, when the company was dissolved. L. Beckmann Jr. continued to use the name in his instrument repair store, until he sold it in 1951.
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