Ekberg is pictured here in his shoe shop in 1948
Charles Ekberg was born in Skåne County in southern Sweden on April 30, 1862. His early childhood was marked by hunger and deprivation. Charles was still an infant when his father was killed in a tragic accident that catapulted his family into poverty. Nine years later, his mother followed her husband to the grave. Heartbroken after his mother’s death, Ekberg despaired for his future. The authorities planned to provide for the boy by sending him to reside with a humorless neighbor couple, where he would work for his room and board.