DAVID G. MENGLE

Biographies from Historical and Biographical Annals by Morton Montgomery

p. 982


David G. Mengel, residing about two miles south-west of Virginville, in Perry township, Berks Co.,Pa., is a retired farmer, and at present is serving his township as supervisor. He was born March 1, 1850, on the place where he new resides, and where he has spent the greater part of his life.

Nicholas Mengel, the first of the family to come to America, was born in Germany, and in the middle of the eighteenth century in company with three other young men of his country came to America. He was a redemptioner, and was bound out until the cost of his passage was paid to a Mr. Gernand, a farmer in Maiden-creek township, Berks Co., Pa. After his freedom was obtained, he remained with his employer for three or more years. By frugality, industry and economy he earned sufficient means to purchase a tract of 300 acres of land in Maiden-creek township, and from that time until his death he engaged in its cultivation. He had a number of children, among who were: Frederick, Peter and Jacob.

Peter Mengel, son of Nicholas, moved from his native township to Fritztown, in Berks county, and there some years operated a saw-mill. As early as 1789 he moved to Caernarvon township, Berks county, and purchased 300 acres of land, and during the remainder of his life operated a sawmill. His sons were: (1) Henry, born in 1784, m. Hannah Schoener (1788-1868), and had children: Matthias, Peter, Christina, Hannah, Amelia and Eva Ann; (2) Abraham. Matthias Mengel, son of Henry and Hannah (Schoener), was born in 1814, and became an honored member of the Berks county Bar, and held a number of public offices. He died in 1905, at the age of ninety-one, the father of Henry, Jonathan P., Matthias and Levi W.

Jacob Mengel, son of Nicholas the emigrant, was born in 1777, and he died in his eighty-eighth year. He married Elizabeth Reichert, and to this union were born: Anna, Solomon, Jacob, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Martin, Susanna (wife of John De Turck), Thomas Jonas and John. Jacob Mengel was a stone mason by trade, working at that occupation for many years, and finally giving it up to engage in agricultural pursuits, purchasing the Mengel homestead, now owned by Mr. David G. Mengle. He and his family are buried at Zion's Church in Perry township, of which church they were members, as have been the Mengels to the present time.

Thomas Mengel, son of Jacob, was born July 29, 1817, and he died in his eighty-sixth year. He married Catherine Gruber, daughter of John Adam Gruber, and she died June 22, 1888, in her seventy-second year, the mother of children as follows: Elizabeth m. Isaac U. Leiby; Susannah m. Elias Hollenbach; Mary m. Jacob Muntz; Abraham m. Sarah Seidel; and David G. Thomas Mengel was a carpenter by trade, and at this he worked for sixteen years, leaving it in 1850 to engage in farming, in which he successfully continued until 1877, when he retired and so lived until his death. He was a trustee of the church for many years.

David G. Mengel, during his active life, was engaged in farming, and he is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his early labors. The farm is rented to one of his sons-in-law, Charles Kline. Mr. Mengel has a comfortable home, with fresh running water at hand, and a beautiful well kept lawn surrounds it. Mr. Mengel is a Democrat, and on various occasions has served his township in positions of honor and responsibility. He has served as auditor, school director and supervisor, and in his dealings with his fellowmen he has always been straightforward, bearing on enviable reputation for honesty and integrity.

On Sept. 15, 1876, Mr. Mengel married Louisa Bankes, daughter of Benjamin and Esther (Leiby) Bankes. To this union were born: Kate E. m. Lyman Becker, of Shoemakersville, Pa.; Mary L. m. Charles Kline, of Virginville; Hettie C. m. Wilson J. Adam, of Virginville; and Miss Annie B. is at home. The family are much esteemed for their many sterling qualities.

On the Mengel farm is an unexplored cave, of limestone formation. The entrance is large, but up to this time no one has ventured farther than 350 feet into the interior. Occasionally a current of rushing air from the opening is of sufficient strength to take off a man's hat, and during cold winter weather the rush of air caused the limestone rocks at the entrance to be covered with frost. There are a number of similar caves in the vicinity, and many believe that all are connected with the famous Crystal cave a few miles distant.