JOHN J. DIEHL, M.D. A notable instance of the success which almost invariably rewards energy and skill, coupled with judicious management, is afforded by the life of Dr. Diehl, of Centralia, who is justly prominent, not alone in the professional circles of this city, but throughout this section of the state as well. As a physician he displays skill in the diagnosis of intricate cases, and rare judgment in the prescription of the remedial agencies calculated to most rapidly alleviate pain and secure the recovery of the patient.
The father of our subject, Dr. John Diehl, was a successful physician and surgeon in Germany, the land of his birth, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until his death, in 1865. He married Miss Eliza Moellinger, and unto them were born fifteen children, twelve of whom survive.
John J. was born in Dalsheim, Germany, September 30, 1841, and was reared to manhood in his native country, receiving an excellent education in the common schools. At the age of thirteen he entered the gymnasium at Worms, on the Rhine, from which he was graduated in 1861. Having resolved to choose as his life work the profession in which his father was successfully engaged, our subject entered the medical college at Giessen and there prosecuted his studies until December, 1865, when he was graduated from the institution. After practicing his profession for a short time in Germany lie came to America, in 1866, and settling in Kentucky, opened an office and engaged in practice at Henderson until 1878.
While a resident of that city he was united in marriage, in 1875, with Miss Katie Rutlinger, who was born in Henderson and was a daughter of Jacob Rutlinger, a watchmaker and jeweler of that city. They are the parents of two sons: Otto Darwin and Bruno Huxley.
Opening an office in Centralia in 1878, Dr. Diehl has since conducted an extensive and lucrative practice, which includes a large number of patients throughout the surrounding country as well as in Centralia itself. His office is in his residence, a commodious and handsome structure on Walnut Street, which was erected by the Doctor in 1892.
While his attention has been given to his professional duties to the exclusion of almost every other interest, he is nevertheless well informed upon topics of general importance and is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Every measure having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the city and its residents receives his hearty support, and no citizen is more progressive and public spirited than he. It is to him, and such as he, that the city and county owe their prominence in this part of the state. He and his family are well known in the community and are welcomed guests in the best homes of the place.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 296 & 299
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer