JOHN A. DINKEL, P.O. Tallula; was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 19, 1838; son of Philip and Catharine (Spingler) Dinkel; was brought to this country by his parents in 1847, coming directly to Springfield, Ill., and locating upon a farm where he was raised and schooled, and where his father raised a family of five children. His father died there in August 1857, and there his mother still survives. The subject of this sketch entered the army with the 10th I.V. Cav., and served three years and three months. He participated in a number of engagements and skirmishes, escaping without injury. After the war, he returned and engaged in the cabinet business, which he has since followed. He married Miss Elizabeth Stahl, of Springfield, May 13, 1865; she was born March 26, 1847. They removed to Tallula in September, 1869, and became manufacturer and dealer in furniture and undertaking, which he has since continued. They are the parents of six children - Elizabeth, born Sept. 13, 1867; Sophia, May 13, 1870, died Dec. 31, 1874; John, born Aug. 31, 1872; Frederick, June 4, 1875; George S. and William W., born Oct. 3, 1878; William W. died July 29, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Dinkel are members of the Baptist Church.