Pennsylvania public official.

Attended the Philadelphia Academy. Served briefly in the British Army before turning his attentions toward the Lutheran church. Became the pastor of a Virginia congregation (1771).

Left his church post to join the Continental army (1776); rose to the rank of major general.

Vice president of the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council under Franklin (1785-88). Member of the United States Congress (1789-91, 1793-95, 1799-1801). Elected to the United States Senate in 1801 but resigned to become a revenue supervisor in Philadelphia. Customs collector in Philadelphia from 1802 until his death.

Born in Trappe, Pennsylvania. Son of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Married Anna Barbara Meyer (1770).