David was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 26 April 1853.
Served the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1850 and represented the Dauphin-Lebanon District in the Senate in 1870.
In 1860, David wrote a letter to president elect, Abraham Linoln, recommending Simon Cameron to Secretary of State. His letters are in the Library of Congress Archives.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html
Search Keyword: Mumma
1820 Census PA, Dauphin Co., Susquehanna Twp.
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Mumma, David
males < 10 - 1 <== David Jr. age 4
males 10-16 - 1 <== Jacob age 9
males 16-18 - 1 <== John age 17 [this was a lucky age bracket]
males 45 & over - 1 <== David age 42 [close - maybe his birth date is incorrect]
females < 10 - 1 <== unknown female
females 10-16 - 2 <== unknown females (possibly Susan who married Samuel Hassler)
females 16-26 - 2 <== Elizabeth age 21 + unknown female
females 26-45 - 1 <== Esther age 46
1 person engaged in agriculture
1830 Census, PA, Dauphin Co., Susquehanna Twp.
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Mumma, David
males 10-15 - 1 <== David Jr. age 14
males 20-30 - 2 <== John age 27 and Jacob 19
males 50-60 - 1 <== David, age 52
females 15-20 - 1 <== unknown female from previous census
females 20-30 - 1 <== unknown female from previous census (Elizabeth & Susan are married)
females 50-60 - 1 <== Esther, age 56
1840 Census, PA, Dauphin Co., Susquehanna Twp.
[can't find David Sr. or Esther nor son Jacob, b. 1811, d. 1861]
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John Mumma
males > 10 - 1 <== Jacob age 4
males 5-10 - 2 <== John age 6, David age 8
males 20-30 - 1 <== David Jr.(?)
males 40-50 - 1 <== John age 37
females 20-30 -2 <== Sarah age 29
1860 census, PA, Dauphin Co., Harrisburg, p. 1049
David Mumma, 43, Atty at Law, $8000 Real Estate, $1800 personal, b. PA
Lydia " , 33, b. PA
Susan " , 16, b. PA
David S. " , 14, b. PA
Ellis Lewis " , 6, b. PA
Sarah M. Lillian, 18, servant, b. PA
1870 Census, PA, Dauphin Co., Harrisburg, p. 172
Mumma, David, 54, Lawyer State Senator, $67,000 real estate, 14,000 personal, b. PA
" , Susan, 43, b. PA
" , Elis, 16, b. PA
1880 Census, PA, Dauphin Co., Harrisburg, ED , Page 159A
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David MUMMA, Self, M, M, W, 63, PA, Occ: Atty At Law, Fa: PA, Mo: PA < Hon. David Jr.
Lydia MUMMA, Wife, F, M, W, 53, PA, Occ: Keeping House, Fa: PA, Mo: PA
David D. MUMMA, Son, M, W, W, b: 34, PA, Occ: Clerk, Widowed, Fa: PA, Mo: PA
Eliza J. BARRY, Other, F, W, W, 35, PA, Occ: Servant, widowed, Fa: PA, Mo: PA
Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 1896, J.M. Runk & Co., p. 433
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MUMMA, HON. David, son of David and Esther Mumma, was born on the old Mumma homestead in Susquehanna township, Dauphin County, July 28, 1816. He was brought up as other farmer' sons, knowing hard work, long hours and the drudgery that every farmer boy experiences. Adjoing the Mumma farm was the home of the famous Revolutionary soldier, Col. Edward Crouch, now owned by Col. John Motter, and know as "Walnut Hill." Across the hills towards Middletown, one mile south, was another historic land mark, "Tinian," the home of Col. James Burd, one of the most distinguished soldiers and pioneers of Central Pennsylvania. Young Mumma early embibed the love for the memory for those brave men, and being surrounded by evidences of what they had accomplished under most trying conditions, he resolved to make his mark in the future. He attended the private schools until the adoption of the free school syatem, when he studied under such teachers as the conditions of the neighborhood could afford. Compared with the advantages now enjoyed, the boy or girl of that day desirous of getting an education encountered difficulties that few of the present age would dare contend with. His father opposed his desire for learning, denying him means of study, but young Mumma wa not to be denied his thirst for knowledge. He hoarded every penny with which he purchased his much cherished treasures, the contents of which he devoured most eagerly, and the influence of which largely determined his after life. He engaged in business pursuits which he followed for a livelihood, ever keepin in view the star of his young heart's ambition. Having resolved to study law, he entered himself as a student with the elder James McCormick, at that time one of the leaders of the bar of Dauphin County. He was admitted to practice April 26, 1853. He soon acquired a standing among the manyu able atorneys, whose ability eloquence and personal magnetism have made the bar of Dauphin world famous. Mr. Mumma at once took more than ordinary interest in the building up of Harrisburg. he had confidence in its future and willingly and readily embarked in every enterprise that was legitimate or worthy the interest required to make it a success. In 1870 when Dauphin and Lebanon counties composed one Senatorial district, Mr. Mumma was elected senator on the Republican ticket by an overwhelming majority, serving his full term with distinguished hjonor and for the welfare of his constituents. He was a delegate to the National Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln, and was national delegate on several other occasions. Major Mumma's influence with a jury was something remarkable, being plain in speech and manner, and possessing a fund of humor that was always applied at the right time and place, he was enabled to sway, move and mold a verdict almost ad libitum. His knowledge of both client and opponents, their standing socially, morally and financially, made him a power when arrayed for or against. No man knew his fellow-citizens better nor understood their weakness for flattery. He could judge in a moment the tenderest spot in the heart of each man; could place his finger on the juror who may have suffered the same imposition which his client was then undergoing, and gathering and concentrating these mighty influences together would make one grand charge, down upon the consciences of the men in the box, and carry off the wreath of victory. The effect of Major Mumma's speeches upon the minds and feelings was always commensurate with the object to be obtained; when desiring to convince, he talked plain words that any ordinary man could easily understand, was calm and logical, no man more so; but when he set his head to enlist the sympathy of the jury he gave vent to his imagination and was wonderfully eloquent. He seemed to comprehend the character of every man and was an adept at selecting a jury.
The mind is said to be composed of three great attributes: imagination, memory and judgment. This combination is rarely found in any man, but when it is that man is great intellectually. In his long legal career Major Mumma was full of courtesy toward his opponent or rival at the bar. He was also brave, kind and generous, affable and affectionate, devoted to his family and Ins friends. Easy of approach, every boy and girl of Dauphin county knew him and honored him. He had a smile and cheery greeting that was never mistaken for other than what it was meant, vis: a plain, manly and honorable cordiality that indicated the man. In his later life he relapsed his grip on the plodding labor of a lawyer's life, dropped many or all of the cares that weighed upon him in his younger days, and in the companionship of his beloved wife, determined to go quietly down the twilight pathway to the gates of the unknown beyond. When speaking of his physical decline, and the discouraging prospects for the future, he said to his family: "I am satisfied with what is being done. I am not afraid to face death, but hope I shall retain my faculties and know you all until it is over." Few men looked upon the transition from this life into that unknown borne with the same logical reasoning and fixed assurance and belief. Brought up under the influence of Christian parents, his early life was impressed with the beauties, the goodness and moral advantages of Protestant teachings. He died June 20, 1893, and his widow survives. He married Lydia Detwiler, daughter of David and Susan Detwiler, of Middletown, Pa., February 22, 1843. His family consists of three children; Susan, wife of J. M. Major, of Harrisburg; Ellis L., proprietor of the Morning Call, Harrisburg, and David D.
David delivered the centennial address at the Shoop's Lutheran/Reformed church near Harrisburg,in which he was raised. The text survives, and in it he mentions vignettes from his childhood. His father, David, was a member of the building committee of the 'new' church. I don't have more details here at the lab, but they exist in my files at home.
Notes and Queries: Historical, Biographical and Genealogical.
By William Henry Egle, 1893, p. 200/201
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OBITUARY
Major David Mumma
In the death of Major David Mumma at his home. 210 North Third street, Tuesday evening. June 20th, 1893, the county loses one of its most prominent and useful citizens. His was a busy life, and he drops to rest in the possession of all his powers. He carved out for himself a name and station, and his association with men left the impress of his sterling character upon the events of his day and generation. Upright in all his dealings, courageous in the performance of what he conceived to be the right, strong and helpful in his friendships. progressive in his ideas and clear in his judgment he combined all the elements of good citizenship, and his death is a distinct loss to the community.
David Mumma was the son of David and Esther Mumma. He was born in Susquehanna township, Dauphin county. July 27th. 1816. He remained with us father on the farm until his marriage with Lydia Detweiler (daughter of David and Susan Detweiler) on February 22d, 1843, when he removed to Londonderry township and engaged in farming on his father in-law farm. While thus engaged in peaceful agricultural pursuits he was elected a major in the militia organization of the district after a sharp contest with a rival aspirant for military honors. His military title always remained with him. Leaving the farm he went to Port Royal, near Middletown, and engaged in the lumber business, his operations in this line being very extensive. He was also connected with a couple of banking enterprises.
Meanwhile he studied law with the late James McCormick and began the practice of the legal profession in Harrisburg, being admitted to the Bar April 20th, 1853. His large acquaintance throughout the county gave him an immense practice, and be was remarkably successful. Other lawyers regarded him as a dangerous antagonist before a jury because of his intimate knowledge regarding the methods of thought of the farming, who served as jurors and their domestic habits. He continued in the legal business until his death. Major Mumma was elected to the Legislature in 1850 and represented the Dauphin-Lebanon district in the Senate in 1870.
During his practice as a lawyer he had many a professional tilt with the late James Fox and John C. Kunkel.
He took an active part in the Ritner campaign and made a number of speeches. He was subsequently an earnest Republican and took an active part in all the campaigns of his party, being in demand as a speaker throughout the county. He was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated Lincoln. and was several times a delegate to National Conventions.
Deceased laid out the towns of Highspire and Penbrook. and was identified with many important enterprises. He was president of the East Harrisburg Cemetery Association.
Major Mumma is survived by his faithful helpmate and three children - Mrs. John M. Major, Ellis L. and David D. Mumma. Mrs. David Cassel, of Lower Paxtang, aged 80 years, is a sister.
The golden wedding of Major and Mrs. Mumma was celebrated a few months ago and was the occasion of a large assemblage of the friends of the respected couple from all parts of the country. Deceased was a man of strong friendships and was popular wherever he was known.