Hensel, W. U. (William Uhler), 1851-1915

William Uhler Hensel was born in Quarryville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on 3 December 1851. Hensel attended the local public school and a series of private academies before entering Franklin and Marshall College in 1866. Hensel was very active in the school including fraternities and clubs. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1870. After graduation, Hensel pursued a career in law and studied under Judge Isaac Hiester and David G. Eshleman. In 1873, Hensel was admitted to the Lancaster Bar and established his own practice in Lancaster. While studying law, he became interest in journalism and later maintained a dual career in journalism and law. After opening his law firm, Hensel became the co-owner of the Lancaster Intelligencer and also became editor of the newspaper. Hensel was active in politics and helped in the efforts of the Democratic Party in Lancaster County. He compiled many writings that aided campaigns such as biographies of the Democratic candidates. In 1891, he became the attorney general of Pennsylvania. As one of the founding members of the Lancaster County Historical Society, he wrote many articles for the historical society's journal that depict the county's history. Hensel was active in the community by giving lectures and presenting information to societies and clubs throughout Lancaster County. He was also president of the Pennsylvania-German Society. Hensel married Emily Flinn; they had one daughter named Elizabeth. He practiced law throughout his life and received honorary doctorates from Dickinson College in 1909 and Franklin and Marshall in 1912. Hensel died on 27 February 1915 from cirrhosis of the liver while on vacation in Georgia.

Lancaster County was officially established in 1729 out of Chester County. The first settlement began in 1709 and was established by Swiss Mennonites in 1710 around the area of present-day Willow Street. Hans Herr was the bishop of the founding group. The Hans Herr House is now the oldest building in Lancaster County dating back to 1719. The original inhabitants of the area included the Susquehannocks (also known as the Conestogas), Shawnee, Gawanese, Delaware, and Nanticoke. Huguenots, Scots-Irish, English, Welsh, and Rhineland Germans settled in Lancaster County after the Swiss Mennonites.