An Profitable Sell During the Great Depression

 

Chester Bogert Mendenhall was born on 30 June 1885 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Edward George Mendenhall (1846-1917) & Alice Lorenah Bogert (1847-1926). He led a simple farmer's life, starting work before the age of 14 years old as a farm laborer on his father's farm.

Chester married twice. The first was to Jennie Geneva Davis on 20 February 1913 in Marion County, Indiana. The couple had one daughter together- Alecia Emily Mendenhall (1913-2003). Jennie died in 1916 at the age of 26 years old. The cause of her death is unknown, but I can imagine it was from an illness or accident. 

On 26 June 1920, Chester married a second time to Grace Edith Merchant and together, they had one son who would die in infancy- Edward Merchant Mendenhall (1921-1921). 

In all census records prior to 1930, Chester's occupation was a farm laborer or a laborer in agriculture. I think his work was greatly effected by the Great Depression because in April of 1930, Chester made the deal of a lifetime, one that, as a genealogist, makes me quite sad. He had in his possession an heirloom passed down on his mother's side of the family for the past 286 years- a clock that was in great working order. Chester closed a deal with a Mr. Frank Tate of St. Louis- selling the clock for $1000 (that's over $15,000 in today's money). Chester delivered the clock to St. Louis and drove home in a new Dodge Sedan. 

(not the actual car belonging to Chester)
1930 Dodge Sedan

Chester spent the remainder of his years working as an independent taxi driver and then a chauffeur. I can imagine that, even though this clock had been in his family for a very long time, a job he could provide for himself- a job he knew would provide for him and his wife, was worth the sacrifice. I wish I knew what this clock looked like, or better yet, if it's new owner took good care of it because I'm curious to know if it's still around. 

Chester died at the age of 77 years old on June 30 1962 in Kinmundy, Illinois. He is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Kinmundy, Illinois.