A biosketch reports [1]:
David H. Mellinger, one of the enterprising young farmers of Manor township, was born Sept. 9, 1865, in the old Mellinger homestead at Creswell, where he still resides. He comes from one of the old families of this region, and is of German origin, being a descendant of Ludwig Mel linger, the first of the name to locate in this section.
John Mellinger, great-grandfather of David H., was born in Manor township, and there passed his entire life, engaged in farming and distilling. His judgment in business matters brought him pros perity, and he was a man of considerable influence in his community. In politics he was an Old-line Whig, and he took an active part in the affairs of his day and localitv, holding various positions, among them that of school director of his township. He died in Creswell.
David Mellinger, grandfather of David H., was born in February, 1795, in Manor township, and had a long career, surviving until April 9, 1878. His early literary training was received in the public schools of the home neighborhood, and he took up the study of medicine with Dr. Musser, of Manor township. His professional studies completed, he opened an office in Creswell, and practiced contin uously for the long period of sixty years, meeting with success from the start. He owned [00 acres of land, which under his management was in an ex cellent state of cultivation, and, having inherited his father's business ability, his affairs prospered. He was twice married, his first wife being Susan Shopf, also of Manor township, who was born March 21, 1794, and died Sept. 23, 1856. Five sons were born to this union, namely: (1) John S., father of David H.; (2) Henry S., M. D., the last survivor, who died Feb. 6, 1901; (3) Jacob, who was a business man of Columbia; (4) David; and (5) Benjamin 5., who died at the age of twelve years. The father was an active member of the M. E. Church, in which he held office. Politically he was a Republican. John S. Mellinger married Miss Elizabeth Wissler, who survives him. His death occurred in October, 1897.
David H. Mellinger attended the common schools and the State Normal at Millersville, acquiring a good practical education, thus fitting him to assist his father in his agricultural work and other business affairs until the latter’s retirement, when he assumed full charge. The home farm, which contains over eighty acres, is devoted to general crops, and in addition to the cultivation of that place Mr. Mellinger looks after several other farm properties of his own, and attends to the business interests of his uncle, Dr. Henry S. Mellinger. Naturally he is kept constantly busy, but his disposition is an energetic one, and he attends personally to all the details of his work, taking justifiable satisfaction in the results which have attended his affairs. Mr. Mellinger is as much interested in the fine appearance of his place as in its more'material welfare, and his home and surroundings testify strongly to his love'for the beautiful. .'The house, a modern brick structure of pleasing design, was built after his own plans in 1893-94. Like the public-spirited citizen he is, Mr. Mellinger is always ready to give his influence and substantial encouragement to every measure involving the welfare of his town and county. He is a Republican politically, but not an office seeker.
On May 25, 1892, Mr. Mellinger'was united in marriage with Miss Agnes C. Mann, daughter of Levi H. Mann, who resides near Creswell.
[1] John F. Meginness et al, Biographical Annals of Lancaster County Pennsylvania (Beers: 1903), 436, [HathiTrust], [GoogleBooks].