My Genealogy Hound

WM. B. MENDENHALL, retired tanner, merchant and farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Woodington; born in Preble Co. June 22, 1820; he learned and worked at the tanner’s trade until 20 years of age, when he came to Darke Co., in 1840, and located upon Sec. 32, Brown Township, where he purchased 4 acres of land for $20, and in the purchase of the same incurred a debt of $5 above his capital; he then followed the tanning business until 1853; upon July 4, 1847, he, with his brother, started the first store at Woodington, and continued his merchandise trade with different partners until 1876, when he disposed of his interest and retired from active business. Mr. Mendenhall came to Darke Co. with a capital of $15— he now owns 400 acres of land, with four sets of farm buildings; also the ware house at Woodington, all of which he has accumulated by his own energies. To him was given the honor of naming the station at Woodington; he was its first merchant and Postmaster, first Justice of the Peace, and Township Trustee one year. He was married in 1839 to Mary Bailey; she was born in Preble Co. in 1820; they were the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Rebecca A., now Mrs. W. H. Ganger; Hannah E., now Mrs. H. T. Martin; Thomas A. and Aleria B.