Hans Luder or Luther (Möhra, Thüringen, 1459 – Mansfeld, May 1 (or 28?), 1530) is best known as the father of the reformer Martin Luther. When Martin was an infant, Hans moved the family from Eisleben to Mansfeld where he leased and operated a copper smelter. The resulting prosperity allowed him to send Martin to good schools and finally to the law school at the University of Erfurt. He hoped Martin would continue to contribute to the family's upward social mobility and never fully reconciled himself to Martin's decision to become a monk. Though the relationship between father and son was complex and not always amiable, in 1526 Martin named his first son Hans II in honor of his father. Hans Luther died on May 1 (or 28?), 1530 while Martin was away at the Coburg Fortress for the Diet of Augsburg.
