Charles T. Mendenhall is carrying on agriculture in Island Grove Township with the success that has placed him among its prosperous farmers. He is one of the native-born citizens of this county, the place of his birth at Berlin, and the date thereof October 13, 1852.

Thomas G. Mendenhall, the father of our subject, was one of the earliest pioneers of the township mentioned, and is now one of its oldest living settlers. He was born May 26, 1814, in Brandywine Township, Pa., which was a part of the original land that was ceded to William Penn. Mr. Mendenhall learned the trade of a carpenter in his youth and engaged at it in his native State for some years. He was there married to Sarah Bevans, and obtained a good start in life ere he came to this county to cast in his lot with its pioneers in 1838.

For eight years after his arrival here Mr. Mendenhall engaged in the mercantile business at Berlin. He devoted himself wholly to his business, was an excellent calculator and a good manager, and at length acquired a handsome competence so that he was enabled to retire from active life in 1879. He is now living on a fine farm within the corporate limits of Berlin, where he is enjoying the fruits of his early labors.

Our subject lived with his parents till the time of his marriage which took place at Girard, Ill., June 23, 1875, on which occasion he was wedded to Miss Lillie Sprowell. Mrs. Mendenhall was born June 29, 1854, in this State, of which her parents were also natives. She has devoted herself to her household and is untiring in her unselfish care of her family.

He of whom we write has a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 15, Island Grove Township. It is under excellent cultivation, has many fine improvements, and here he has a cozy home and is surrounded by a happy little family.

Our subject is a whole-souled, warm-hearted man, who is well liked by all who know him, and is trusted by all with whom he has dealings, as his honesty and integrity are indisputable. Although he gives his support generally to the Republican party, Mr. Mendenhall is not strictly a party man, as it is his plan to vote for the candidate whom he deems best qualified for the office regardless of whatever political faith he may be. He has served the educational interests of his township well in the capacity of School Director, which office he has held for four years.