JOHN DEAL, M.D. This name will be at once recognized by many readers as that of an able physician, located in Riverton. Those who enjoy the pleasure of his acquaintance are aware of the fact that Dr. Deal is a man of broad culture, and that before he entered the ranks of the medical profession he had won an honorable record as an educator in one of the first class colleges. They know also that his life has been spent in useful labors, that his character is above reproach, and that he enjoys in a high degree the respect of his acquaintances.

Dr. Deal traces his descent from German ancestors, but America has been the home of his people for many long years. His parents. George and Lucy (Rismiller) Deal, was born in Pennsylvania, and there also the eyes of our subject opened to the light November 19, 1847. His father was a brickmason by trade and an honest, industrious man, who ordered his life in accordance with the precepts of Christianity. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, and cheered by a Christian's hope, breathed his last in 1857. His widow survived until 1883. She also was a zealous Christian and was for many years a member of the German-Reformed Church, though at the time of her death a member of the Presbyterian Church. Some time after the death of Mr. Deal she married Henry McGee, a native of the Isle of Man. By her first marriage she became the mother of eleven children and by the second of two.

Our subject attended a village school until he was ten years of age, after which he had no further school privileges until he was about sixteen. In 1868 he entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, Ill., where he spent two years, following this with a four years' course of study at Blackburn University at Carlinville. From the latter institution he was graduated after having completed the classical course. He was for two years Principal of the public schools at Morrisonville, Ill., and was then called to the Chair of Latin and Mathematics in the Central Tennessee College at Nashville. He was known to have a fine knowledge of the ancient languages and the time which he had spent in teaching had proved his tact in imparting instruction.

For two years Dr. Deal remained in Nashville, discharging his professional duties in a most acceptable manner and at the same time pursuing the study of medicine in the Vanderbilt University, from which he was graduated in 1878 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The August following his graduation he located at Riverton, Ill., where he has continued to reside. He enjoys a lucrative practice and is as well equipped for his work as any physician in the county. Success has crowned his efforts both in a professional and financial sense. He has been the means of alleviating suffering and saving life, and has also been enabled to secure valuable property, both in Riverton and in Fancy Creek Township. He owns a good farm and several houses and lots in the village.

The lady who graciously presides over the home of Dr. Deal is a native of this State, known in her maidenhood as Miss Augusta Isabelle Fyffe. Their marriage rites were solemnized August 26, 1875. They are the happy parents of two children - Don West, born July 11, 1879, and John W. F., July 31, 1885. Both the Doctor and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Church. Dr. Deal is a true blue Republican and is a popular, influential member of the party. He has been urged to allow the use of his name as a candidate for important positions, but has refused, as he has no desire to enter the political field. He has served acceptably as Mayor of Riverton and in the capacity of a private individual is ever found giving the weight of his influence on the side of right and true progress.