Founder & Pres of Shenandoah Normal College, Dayton, VA (Founded 1883). Relocated at Reliance, Warren Co, VA.
Graduate of Danville Normal College (IN).
Alumni of Shenandoah College erected a marble shaft at his grave: "He gave to the cause of education all that he had -- his life."
Son of George Hohenshell and Mary Smutz.
Married Clara Dixie Moffett 2 Jul 1885 in Frederick Co VA.

Author of SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND METHODS OF INSTRUCTION w/ J. V. Coombs and X-TALKS AND OTHER ADDRESSES., Geo Washington Hoenshel, 1900, p. 9-17.

Contributor to 1000 Ways of 1000 Teachers, A C Mason 1881

His Biographical Sketch by M L Fearnow in a book by Mrs G W Hoenshel 1900, p.9Hoennshel, 1900, in which she published his commercement addresses and class lectures from 1884-1896.

David Howard Scanlon, Historical Sketch of Shenandoah Normal College 1883-1896, 1941:
Education towards the turn of the century was of utmost importance, especially for underprivileged and poor youths. Institutions of higher learning such as colleges had long since been available to the upper-class. The hierarchical system perpetuated class division by furthering education to white elites. Thus, allowing them to reap the economic benefits of education while squandering and depriving mental growth to lower classes. If left unchecked, this downward trend would lead to an overwhelming increase in poverty. Without a handful of individuals who saw past their economic status to provide help, social degradation might have reached a point of no return. Professor George Washington Hoenshel was one of these unique individuals. On September 4, 1883 he founded the Shenandoah Normal College in Middletown, Virginia. Enrollment increased throughout the year as the school gained recognition and prestige. Once student and former teacher David Scanlon stated, "Professor Hoenshel's inspiring personality made amends for scant finances and the school soon grew in influence and numbers until students were coming from surrounding States in gratifying numbers" (Scanlon, 12). Professor Hoenshel believed in both rich and poor attending his institute, thus breaking the social norms of class separation. After four years enrollment needed larger facilities and the college was moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia on September 1, 1887. Professor Hoenshel continued to teach at the college until 1896, retiring with thirteen years of educational service.

23 Jun 1880 Census, Charleston, Coles Co IL (b PA incl parents):
HOH Geo W. Hoenshel 1859-, school teacher, single

15 Jun 1880 Census, Danville, Hendricks Co IN (b PA incl parents):
HOH Geo W. Hoenshel 1859-, teacher, single