R. C. DITTO, M.D.

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         To Dr. R. C. Ditto, who has been engaged in practice in Oakville for eight years, belongs the distinction of being the first resident physician now in the village. He was born in Seaton, Illinois, on the 24th of December, 1873, and is a son of L. N. and Elizabeth (Wheatley) Ditto, the father a native of Ohio and mother of Kentucky. His parents removed to Illinois in early life and were united in marriage September 10, 1861. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary September 10, 1911, at the same homestead where they . . .

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. . . first located. Unto them were born eleven children, all surviving and helping them celebrate their golden wedding.

         Dr. Ditto was reared at home, acquiring his preliminary education in the public and high schools of his native town, following which he entered the Theological Seminary at Abingdon, Illinois, and was graduated from the college at Dixon, Illinois. He later matriculated at the Medical College at Keokuk, where he pursued his medical and surgical course. In 1901, Dr. Ditto opened an office at Augusta, Illinois, where he practiced for two years. At the expiration of that period he came to Oakville, Iowa, where he has since continued to reside. During the period of his residence here Dr. Ditto has succeeded in building up a very good practice, not only in Oakville but in the adjacent country.

         Dr. Ditto was united in marriage in 1898 to Miss Ethel Halstead, who is a native of Illinois and a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Willard) Halstead. Her father is now deceased but her mother is still living and continues to make her home in Dixon. They were the parents of three children. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Ditto, as follows: Richard H., who was born on the 17th of July, 1899; Geraldine, whose birth occurred on the 16th of April, 1902; Darlyne, born on the 21st of February, 1905; and Justine, who was born on the 9th of February, 1907, and died on the 12th of February, 1908. Mrs. Ditto, who is a graduate of the Dixon high school was engaged in teaching prior to her marriage.

         Dr. Ditto is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Christian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Order of Moose, and the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political support is given the democratic party. He has met with success in his profession and in addition to his fine home and his office building in Oakville, he has a half interest in two hundred and forty acres of land in the country, twenty lots in town and six hundred and forty acres of land in Canada. He is highly regarded not only professionally but as a citizen in the community where he resides and has made many friends.