My Genealogy Hound

AMON B. MENSCH, postmaster and merchant at Gilbertsville, in Douglass township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born March 26, 1866. He is the son of George and Harriet (Bickel) Mensch, of the same township.

George Mensch (father) was a miller by trade. He was a native of Hereford township, Berks county, Pennsylvania. He died in 1896 at the age of sixty-five years. His widow is living with her son, Amon B. Mensch. She was born in 1834. George Mensch farmed the latter part of his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and was for many years a school director. He was a prominent and valued member of the community in which he lived. The couple had but one child, Amon B. Mensch.

Adam Mensch (grandfather) resided in Berks county. His wife’s maiden name was Gruber. Mr. Mensch, who came originally from Bucks county, was a miller by trade. He filled many responsible positions, including that of justice of the peace. He resided for a time in Northampton county, but finally located in Berks county, coming thence to Montgomery county where he died. His children: Abraham, Peter, Jacob, Samuel, Evan, James, George, Charles, Mary, Annie, Sallie. They are all deceased except Dr. James Mensch and Mrs. Mary Gaumer. David Bickel (maternal grandfather) married Catherine Miller. Mr. Bickel was born and resided all his life in the vicinity of Pottstown. He was a cigar manufacturer, and later in life a farmer. Mr. Bickel died in 1886, aged seventy-eight years. She died four or five years later, at the age of seventy-six years. Both were buried at Union Cemetery, Boyertown. They were Lutheran in religious faith, and in politics Mr. Bickel was a Democrat. Mr. Bickel’s father was Daniel Bickel. The family is one of the oldest in that section of Montgomery county.

Amon B. Mensch attended the public schools of the vicinity until he was about sixteen years of age. Having qualified himself for the position of teacher, he took charge of a school in Douglass township and followed that occupation for several years. He then engaged in clerking in the store of Hillegass & Hoffman, at Gilbertsville, which he afterwards purchased, the change being made September 22, 1890. He has continued business at the same place ever since. The time he was employed with his predecessors was about five years. Mr. Mensch was appointed postmaster under President Cleveland’s first administration, and was reappointed by President McKinley. He was the first postmaster appointed by Mr. Cleveland in Montgomery county. The appointment by President McKinley was made shortly before his assassination. Mr. Mensch is a Democrat in politics. He was township auditor for one term, being also elected another term which he did not serve.

Mr. Mensch married, March 15, 1890, Sallie, daughter of Jonas C. and Rebecca (Gilbert) Krause. Mr. Krause is an insurance agent. He is a life-long resident of Gilbertsville. The couple have had seven children: James, Harry, John, Sallie (Mrs. Mensch), Susan, Lucian (deceased) and another who is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Mensch have five children, as follows: Austin, born September 30, 1891; Newton, born July 31, 1892; Raymond, born February 6, 1897; Allen, born February 7, 1899, and Macie, born November 4, 1903, all residing with their parents. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Boyertown.