JOHN DOTSON DEIHL.

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         A representative of the third generation of the family in Louisa county, John Dotson Deihl, cashier of the Wapello State Savings Bank, has proved a worthy descendant of an honorable ancestry and is recognized as one of the thoroughly energetic and capable citizens of the county. He was born on the old home farm in Wapello township December 10, 1882, a son of George R. and Eva (Dotson) Deihl, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

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         Mr. Deihl of this review attended the district school and later entered the Wapello high school from which he was graduated in 1899. He took a stenographic course and after entering upon his business career was fortunate in securing leave of absence which enabled him to carry his studies further under highly competent teachers in Drake University. He secured employment in various positions until 1901 when he entered the Wapello State Savings Bank in a clerical capacity and demonstrated his business qualities to such an extent that in 1906 he was promoted to the position of cashier and a year later was elected a member of the board of directors, both of which positions he is now filling. He has discharged his responsibilities with sagacity and circumspection and has thus won the confidence of the business men of the community as well as of private individuals. He uses good judgment in guarding the interests of stockholders and depositors and as he is thoroughly acquainted with the resources of Louisa county, his opinions as to loans are generally found to be correct. It is evident that he made no mistake in choosing his vocation.

         On the 12th of October, 1905, Mr. Deihl was married to Miss Talma Bly Parsons, a daughter of Douglas D. and Jessie (Hook) Parsons. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Parsons: Pearl, who is the wife of Ralph Hunt, superintendent of schools of Louisa county; Talma, now Mrs. John Dotson Deihl; and Dean, who is now a student in school. Mr. and Mrs. Deihl have two sons: Douglas George, who was born July 18, 1906; and Albert Parsons, born July 7, 1908. Mrs. Deihl is a lineal descendant of John Nevill, who as a soldier in the Revolutionary war gained recognition from those higher in authority for his services at Yorktown.

         In politics Mr. Deihl gives his support to the republican party. He is not connected with any religious denomination but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has observed the advantages of education and is a stanch friend of the public schools which he regards as the bulwark of the nation. Since 1908 he has been a member of the school board and during the last two years has served as president of the board. He is not a man who seeks to shirk responsibility and his friends prophesy that in years to come he will gain recognition as a leader throughout a wide section in this part of the state.