Rudolph Warfel Shenk (1834 - 1880)

Born 4 Oct 1834 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

Died 26 Sep 1880 at age 45 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

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Biography

Rudolph Warfeld Shenk was an American lawyer, soldier and politician. He was a Major during the Civil War. Shenk served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1864 and 1865.

Pre-War Life

Rudolph was born on October 4, 1834, in Conestoga County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Christian Shenk and Maria Warfel. ^[1]

In 1858, Shenk graduated from Dartmouth College. He studied law under Thaddeus Stevens and was admitted to the bar. ^[2]

Military Service

Major Rudolph Shenk served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: Apr 20, 1861
Mustered out: May 24, 1863
Side: USA
Regiment(s): F & S, 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry; Co. F, 1st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

• Civil War

On April 20, 1861, Rudolph Shenk enlisted as a Private into Company F, 1st Pennsylvania Infantry. Shank was discharged on July 27, 1861. ^[3] On August 20, 1862, Shenk enlisted as a Major in the Field and Staff of the 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry. Major Shenk was court-martialed for conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. He was alleged to have stolen liquor and other government stores and sold them to prisoners of war. He was found guilty and dishonorably discharged. President Lincoln rescinded the findings and ordered Shenk reinstated. ^[1] Major Shenk discharged and mustered out of service on May 24, 1863, ^[4]

Shenk, Rudolph W.

BATTLE UNIT NAME: 1st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry (3 months, 1861)

SIDE: Union

COMPANY: F

SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private

SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Private

ALTERNATE NAME: Rudolph W./Schenk

NOTES: General Note - Original filed under Rudolph W./Schenk. ^[5]

Shenk, Rudolph W.

BATTLE UNIT NAME: 135th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry

SIDE: Union

COMPANY: F&S

SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Major

SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Major. ^[6]

Post-War Life

In 1863, Shenk was a deputy provost marshal for the 9th District. He resumed his law practice. In1865 and 1866, Shenk was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In 1866, he did not run for reelection. He was a banker with Bair & Shenk. Shenk was elected select council Lancaster in 1870 and 1880. In 1880, Shenk was a director of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. ^[2]

Rudolph W Shenk died on September 26, 1880. He was buried at Woodward Hill Cemetery, Lancaster Pennsylvania. ^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190167738/rudolph-warfel-shenk: accessed 29 July 2023), memorial page for Rudolph Warfel Shenk (4 Oct 1834–26 Sep 1880), Find a Grave Memorial ID 190167738, citing Woodward Hill Cemetery, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA; Maintained by Dennis Brandt (contributor 47232334).
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Rudolph W. Shenk, Pennsylvania House of Representatves Archives, Member Biography. https://archives.house.state.pa.us/people/member-biography?ID=7710&body=H
3. ↑ Fold3, Rudolph W. Schenk (https://www.fold3.com/memorial/653867173/rudolph-w-schenk-civil-war-stories : accessed July 29, 2023), database and images, https://www.fold3.com/memorial/653867173/rudolph-w-schenk-civil-war-stories
4. ↑ Fold3, Rudolph W. Shenk (https://www.fold3.com/memorial/656334129/rudolph-w-shenk-civil-war-stories : accessed July 29, 2023), database and images, https://www.fold3.com/memorial/656334129/rudolph-w-shenk-civil-war-stories
5. ↑ National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, Soldier Details for Shenk, Rudolph W. https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=8482BDCF-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A
6. ↑ National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, Soldier Details for Shenk, Rudolph W. https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=8582BDCF-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A