William Uhler Hensel was born on December 4, 1851 in Quarryville, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Lancaster County and attended Franklin and Marshall College, graduating in the class of 1870. Hensel was a member of the Lancaster bar and was also a journalist. This conflict of interest had him disbarred. A court case ensued that went to the United States Supreme Court. The lower courts’ verdict was overturned and Hensel was reinstated to the bar. In 1891, the governor appointed Hensel as State attorney-general. He served as a president of the state bar, also serving as vice president of the American Bar Association. Hensel was also a busy philanthropist in Lancaster County. He helped found the Lancaster Historical Society. William Hensel wrote and spoke on many issues concerning county history. He died in Savannah, George on February 27, 1915.
For more information on William Uhler Hensel, click here.