MERIT J. DEIHL.

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         There is no movement formulated in Wapello township for the benefit of the community along lines of substantial upbuilding that does not receive the indorsement of Merit J. Deihl, and his labors have always been a cooperant factor in the work of general improvement. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits and few farmers of Louisa county have achieved more substantial success along those lines. A native of Iowa, he was born on the old home- . . .

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. . . stead in this county on the 16th of March, 1856, a son of John and Margaret (Jamison) Deihl. The father, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of November, 1808, was long one of the most extensive farmers and land owners of his locality. In 1831 he left his native state and went to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaching school for a few years, and in the spring of 1836 he arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, here entering a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Something of the success which attended his efforts in the agricultural field is indicated by the fact that with the passing years he was able to add to his original purchase until at the time of his death his estate consisted of twelve hundred acres of valuable land, all under an excellent state of cultivation. In 1845 he returned to the state of his nativity on a visit, going by way of Chicago and making the journey on horseback, riding one horse and leading another. In 1850 he was married to Mrs. George Johnson, who in her maidenhood was Miss Margaret Jamison, and unto them were born six children, as follows: John W., who passed away in infancy; Elizabeth; Merit J., of this review; George R.; and Lydia and Emma A., both deceased.

         Fortunate in having his lines of life cast amid the healthful and wholesome scenes and environment of rural life, Merit J. Deihl spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead, acquiring his education in the country schools of the neighborhood and when not busy with his text-books, assisting in the work of the fields. His practical training was thorough and comprehensive, for he was early made familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad, while with the passing years, as his strength and experience increased his duties became more important and onerous. Upon attaining man’s estate he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and throughout the intervening period he has given his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a valuable farm of six hundred and ninety-six acres, located on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24. This is one of the largest farms in this part of the county and everything about it is indicative of his careful supervision, his practical methods and his progressive spirit. He has built a comfortable and attractive residence, large barns and substantial outbuildings and no equipment or accessory which goes to make up a model farm is lacking. In connection with his general farming he also has stock-raising interests and the enterprise, close application and keen business ability which he has ever manifested in the conduct of his business affairs have been the salient elements in the attainment of a success which ranks him among the most substantial and representative farmers of the township.

         Mr. Deihl was married on the 17th of April, 1879, to Miss Clara Brogan, whose birth occurred on the 26th of November, 1859. She was the second in order of birth in a family of six children born unto James and Eliza Jane (Van Horn) Brogan, the others being: Elius L., who passed away in infancy; Elmeda, the deceased wife of George Coffine, of Thomas county, Kansas; George W., of Hamilton county, Iowa; Elmer E., of Polk county, Nebraska; and Charles, who also died in infancy. Three children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl, as follows: Emma Adell, who was born on the 25th of March, . . .

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. . . 1880; Samuel J., born February 2, 1883; and Alma Ola, born October 19, 1885. In his religious belief Mr. Deihl is a Methodist, while his political support is given to the republican party. He has served as township assessor, but aside from that position he has never sought nor held public office. Unusually broad-minded and liberal in his views, he has ever given proof of the fact that the term citizenship is to him no mere idle word, for no measure or movement having to do with the upbuilding and development of the community in which he resides seeks his aid in vain, and he is a generous supporter of all worthy enterprises. He is greatly respected and esteemed by all who know him and the position which he occupies today among his fellowmen is in contradistinction to the old adage that “A prophet is not without honor save in his own country.”