From "Book of Biographies of Leading Citizens of Bucks County, Pennsylvania", 1899:

Charles F. Schwenk, one of the leading and enterprising citizens and business men who have contributed largely toward making Perkasie what it is today, is the secretary and manager of the Standard Hay Baling Company, which has been in operation there since 1889. He was born in Franconia township, Montgomery County January 30, 1862, and is a son of Charles A. and Diana (Fossbenner) Schwenk.

His grandfather was George Schwenk of Franconia township, Montgomery County, who was one of a family of five children, namely: Abraham, a carpenter by vocation; Maria; Mary; Elizabeth; and George. The latter was born in Berks County, but after attaining manhood located upon a farm in Franconia township, where he operated a saw mill and plied his trade, that of a blacksmith. He was united in hymeneal bonds with Margaret Althouse, and they became the happy parents of three children, one son and two daughters: Charles A., the father of our subject; Catherine, who married Dr. George Fry, and had two sons and two daughters; and Sophia, whose union with Peter Hoffman resulted in the birth of one son and two daughters. Mr. Schwenk, whose birth occurred on the first day of April 1780, was called to his final rest, May 25, 1856, at the age of seventy-six years, one month, and twenty-four days; and his worthy wife, who was born on the twenty-eight day of November, 1773, was called Home, May 24, 1854, at the age of eighty years, five months and twenty-six days.

Charles A. Schwenk was born in Franconia township, Montgomery County, July 21, 1813, and was reared upon his father's farm. He chose the life of a farmer and became one of the leading agriculturists of that section, owning a very large farm. His first matrimonial alliance was with Catherine Hartzell, by whom he had one daughter, Lucy. After Catherine's demise, he was joined in marriage with Maria Wampole. He was married a third time to Diana Fossbenner, and the following offspring blessed their union: George F., a leading citizen of Lansdale, Pa.; Amanda (Nice) of Hatfield; Harry F.; and Charles F., the subject of this biographical record. Mr. Schwenk closed his eyes in final sleep, January 6, 1874, aged sixty years, five months and sixteen days; and his wife, Diana, who was born March 29, 1830 and was a daughter of Samuel Fossbenner, of East Rockhill township, Bucks County, died April 8, 1891, aged sixty-one years and nine days.

Charles F. Schwenk obtained his intellectual training in the common schools of his native town unti he was fifteen years of age, when he accepted a clerical position and continued in that capacity for a period of ten years. He then in the village of Hatfield embarked on his own account in the mercantile business, which he carried on for one year, when he disposed of it and moved to Perkasie, becoming secretary and manager of the Standard Hay Baling Company, which was organized in that year. It has been under his efficient management that the concern has been most successful, and it was found necessary to build their present and commodious establishment. Our subject is a man of excellent business ability, honest, and trustworthy, and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and acquaintances throughout his section of the county. He has built a fine new residence in recent years and also owns a tenement.

In 1884, he was joined in wedlock with Annie L. Moyer, a daughter of J. H. Moyer, of Souderton, Pa., and to them were born the following children: Leonidas; Catherine; and Esther (their fourth child, Charles, was born after this article was written.) Politically, Mr. Schwenk is an unswerving supporter of the Republican Party.

Obituary:
Charles F. Schwenk, Sr., 69 years old, Market street, near Sixth, this place, died in Grand View Hospital on Thursday evening, where he had been a patient for several weeks. Mr. Schwenk had been an active businessman in Perkasie. He had been connected with the Standard Hay Baling Company, was the founder of two other Perkasie business projects, the Horn stone quarry and the dairy business now known as the Amos Bryan Dairy farm. Recently he was employed in the Lutz Clothing Factory. He is survived by his widow, two sons Leon M. Schwenk and Charles, Jr., and a daughter, Mrs. Lloyd Yeakel, all of Perkasie. Rev. Howard Obold conducted funeral services from his late residence on Sunday afternoon. Interment was made in St. Stephen's cemetery.

At the time of his death he had seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. (Bucks Co, PA, File # 33891 dtd 1931 Will Bk 55 Page 395 and Adm Bk 48 page 15.)

Photos available: Click here.