Henry Shunk

biography

Mr. Shunk was born in Contwig, near the city of Shweibruecken, Bavaria, Germany, September 6th, 1830. When he was twenty years of age his mother came to the United States, in May, 1842, and after a three months stay in New York city arrived at Meadville, in the following August, where Mr. Shunk has since resided. He received a common school education. In March, 1844, he entered a bakery as clerk, for the purpose of learning a trade, and remained four years. Soon after he entered the grocery store of Christian Haas, as partner, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Shunk & Haas. After four years he bought his partner's interest and carried on the business alone until within a few years, when he retired. He was first elected a member of the school board in 1867 and served until 1869. He served in the City Council from the fourth ward from 1873 to 1875, and it was during his term that Park Avenue was extended, Mr. Shunk voting against it. Again during 1875, 1876 and 1877 he was one of the school board, Mr. Shunk in politics has always been a Democrat and has twice been a candidate in that party for the office of County Treasurer. He was married in 1861 to Mary, daughter of Daniel Haas, of Meadville.

Directory of Crawford County, 1879-80, page 254