Born in 1789, Joseph Long Lehn produced a group of turned woodenware which now is collectively referred to as "Lehnware." After unsuccessful attempts at farmin, he transformed his hobby of woodworking into a successful vocation. His shop was behind his house in Hammer Creek Valley, Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County. He sold his wares in large numbers to local merchants for re-sale and was prolific until 1886 when he became blind. However, he resumed his work about two years later after regaining his sight, and worked until his death in 1892.