Alvin D. Heintzelman was born September 11, 1861. He worked for his parents until he was of age, then continued in their employ several more years. In 1892 he succeeded his father to the ownership of the homestead and is a successful potato farmer, having begun farming there for himself in 1891. The property had long before been a Straub homestead, and from them it passed to George Heintzelman, the grandfather of the present owner. The old log house (a picture of it appearing in this volume), is still standing, a landmark in the township. He and his family are Lutherans and he served that congregation of the Ebenezer church at New Tripoli, both as deacon and elder. He and his brothers are Democrats.

On May 12, 1889, he married Maria Holben, daughter of Solomon and Polly (Sechler) Holben, and they have four children: Claude (m. Annie Wagner) ; Mabel L. (m. Warren A. Follweiler) ; Katie P. (m. Anson J. Bailey); and Charles E.