Benjamin M. Shenk
Biography from Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, PA pages 922-923
BENJAMIN M. SHENK, one of the highly esteemed retired farmers of Lancaster county, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families in this locality. This family originated in Switzerland, coming to America about 1730. Michael SHENK was the original settler on the old homestead, and his son, Henry (it is thought) succeeded him. John SHENK, the great-grandfather of Benjamin M., was a son of Henry, and he lived and died in Pequea township. His life was devoted exclusively to farming pursuits and to the ministry of the Old Mennonite Church. The children he left were: Henry; John; Anne, who married a SNAVELY; and Mary, who married a HOSTETTER.
Henry SHENK, son of Rev. John, became the grandfather of Benjamin M., of this sketch, and he was born in Pequea township, where he tilled the soil. His duty led him in the direction of a religious life, and for four years he was a minister in the Old Mennonite Church, and on June 3, 1843, he was ordained a bishop. For a number of years he was a power in the church, operating in the Conestoga, Millersville, Rohrerstown and Manor districts. His simple, pious life, combined with his ability as a preacher, exerted a great influence for good, few men ever having been more highly esteemed or more dearly beloved. As a fitting close to a life of estimable deeds, he died suddenly, Oct. 22, 1865, aged seventy years, eleven months and twenty days, after giving testimony after a sermon preached by his co-worker Jacob BRUBAKER, of Manor District, Rev. Joseph K. BRUBAKER being also present in the Stone Meeting House, in Pequea township.
The marriage of Rev. Henry SHENK was to Susanna HUBER, and they became the parents of twelve children: John, who died in 1892; Henry, who died Jan. 6, 1854; Michael, who died young; Tobias, who resides in Manheim township; Mary, deceased; Jacob, of Pequea township; Isaac, twin to Jacob, deceased; Rudolph, of East Drumore township; Samuel, of Pequea township; Susan, the widow of Andrew G. BOWER; Benjamin, deceased; and Anna, the wife of Martin HERR, of Pequea township.
John SHENK, father of Benjamin M., was born on the old homestead in Pequea township, Aug. 28, 1816, and lived there until 1842, when he moved to Lancaster township, locating on the farm which Benjamin M. SHENK now owns, giving his whole attention t the cultivation of his land for a number of years. He was, however, an intelligent and public-spirited man, was active in the ranks of the Republican party, filling many of the local offices with great efficiency, notably those of assessor, auditor, school director and supervisor. Mr. SHENK was identified with many of the public enterprises of his locality, and until the time of his death was a director in the Marietta Pike road. As a consistent member of the Old Mennonite Church, his life was filled with good and charitable deeds. His reliability was recognized in the demands made upon him in the matter of settling up estates, many trusts being confidently placed in his hands. His marriage was to Miss Magdalena MUSSER, and they had a family of six children, three of whom died in childhood, the others being: Henry, a farmer in Penn township; Benjamin M., of this sketch; and Susan, wife of Rev. Abram B. HERR. The mother of these children died Aug. 13, 1861, and Mr. SHENK married Mrs. Magdalena BASSLER, and he died May 10, 1892.
Benjamin M. SHENK was born on the farm where he now resided on Aug 21, 1844, grew up acquainted with all the necessary details of a farmer's life, and after completing the common school course, settled down to the farming life. After his marriage in 1870 he began farming on the home place, which was his by inheritance, and here, until the spring of 1901, he followed agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the most substantial and highly esteemed citizens of this county. For as long a period as seventeen years Mr. SHENK has been a school director, always casting his influence in the direction of progressive educational methods, and his staunchly supported the principles of the Republican party. Mr. SHENK has been identified with a number of the important enterprises of the county, notable the Mutual Insurance Co., having been a director for many years. Many of the complicated estates of this neighborhood have been placed in his hands for adjustment, his fellow-citizens being so well assured of his integrity, ability and uprightness.
The marriage of Mr. SHENK was to Miss Leah G. CHARLES, and to this union were born five children, two of whom died young, the others being: John C., a farmer of East Hempfield township; Abram C., a farmer on the home place; and Anna C., residing with her parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. SHENK are consistent members of the Old Mennonite Church, and are kind, neighborly and hospitable, and among the very best people of their township.
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