WILLIAM A. MENDENHALL, the subject of this sketch, is an active merchant in the town of Loran, and also holds the responsible position of Postmaster, having been appointed soon after the accession of Grover Cleveland to the Presidency. His parents were John and Catherine (Low) Mendenhall. The father was born in Fayette County, Pa., and the mother in Lycoming County, Pa. Upon their first arrival in Illinois, they settled in Jo Daviess County, where the mother died. In 1873 the father moved to Harrison County, Mo. They had five children, one girl and four boys, of whom William A. was the second child. He was born in Elizabeth Township, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., on the 22d of November, 1843. Up to the age of twenty-seven, his life was spent with his parents. At that age he married, and settled on his father’s farm in Jo Daviess County, where he continued to live for two years, when he removed to Harrison County, Mo., where he lived one and one-half years, when he returned to Illinois and settled in Jefferson Township, Stephenson County. Here he remained about six years, when he returned to Jo Daviess County and engaged in merchandising. In 1882 he moved to Loran, where he established himself in business, and where he has since resided. In his establishment may be found every article usually kept on hand by the typical country merchant.

Mr. M. was married, in Stephenson County, Nov. 1, 1870, to Amelia Hoy, daughter of Daniel Hoy (see sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall have three living children – John D., Anna L. and Samuel W. – and three dead – George F., Aimie J. and Mamie C.

Mr. Mendenhall’s record, as a citizen and a soldier, is good. In September, 1864, he enlisted in the 146th Illinois Infantry, with which he served until July, 1865, when it was mustered out of the service. Mr. Mendenhall has held several responsible civil positions, among which are Justice of the Peace, Assessor and Township Clerk. On account of his activity and vigilance in political affairs, he was rewarded by his party in November, 1885, by being appointed Postmaster. He is a free and accepted Mason in good standing, and is a regular attendant upon the meetings of his lodge.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888