Muhlenberg, Friederich August

Muhlenberg, Friederich August a minister of the Lutheran Church, noted in the Revolutionary history of this country, was the second son of Dr. H.M. Muhlenberg. and was born at the Trappe, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1750. He was educated at Halle, in Saxony, and was ordained to the work of the ministry before his return to this country. He was pastor for a time in Lebanon County, also at New Hanover and Reading, Pennsylvania. Thence he removed to the city of New York, where he continued to reside, as pastor of the Lutheran Church, until the British entered the city. In consequence of his devotion to American principles, it was supposed if he fell into the hands of the enemy he would be the victim of cruel and vindictive treatment; he therefore removed to Pennsylvania, and took charge for a season of the Lutheran congregation in New Hanover. Having been called by the people into political life, he laid aside the duties of the ministry. In 1779 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. He was also sent as a delegate to the state convention which assembled to ratify the new Federal Constitution, and was selected by his colleagues to preside over their deliberations. He was repeatedly chosen as a representative to Congress under the new constitution, and on two different occasions served as Speaker of the House. He was a prominent and useful statesman. He was universally esteemed, and died, greatly lamented, at Lancaster in 1812. (M.L.S.)