Henry Augustus Muhlenberg (1823–1854)

For other people named Henry Muhlenberg, see Henry Muhlenberg (disambiguation).

Henry Augustus Muhlenberg (July 21, 1823 – January 9, 1854) was an American politician and Congressman (Democratic) representing the state of Pennsylvania.

Early years

Muhlenberg was a member of the Muhlenberg family political dynasty. He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on July 21, 1823. His father, Henry A. P. Muhlenberg, was a Congressman and U.S. Minister to Austria; his grandfather, Joseph Hiester, was the governor of Pennsylvania.

Career

Muhlenberg attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1844, practicing law in Reading, Pennsylvania. He was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1849, serving until 1852 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives to represent the 8th Congressional district. He began Congressional service on March 4, 1853, and died less than a year later.

Death

Muhlenberg died in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 1854, while in office. He was buried in the Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading.

His son, Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, III unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1892.

See also

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)

References

• United States Congress. "Henry Augustus Muhlenberg (id: M001064)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• The Political Graveyard