The New International Encyclopædia/Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad

MUHLENBERG, mū'len-bẽrg, (1750-1801). An American clergyman and politician, son of Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg. He was born at New Providence (now Trappe), Montgomery County, Pa., studied in Germany at the University of Halle, and upon his return to America entered the Lutheran ministry in Pennsylvania. In 1773 he became pastor of the Lutheran Church in New York City. He was an ardent patriot, and in 1776 he quitted New York and returned to his native State, at the same time abandoning the work of the Church for political activity. He was repeatedly elected to Congress. The first session of the House of Representatives in Washington's administration chose him as Speaker. He was also made chairman of the Committee of the Whole in 1795, and cast the deciding vote that saved the Jay Treaty.