John Douglas Arnett, president of the State Savings Bank of Iola, was born at Fort Smith, Ark., November 21, 1858. He is the son of James Blackburn and Mary (Mitchell) Arnett, both natives of Illinois. The family removed to Fort Smith, Ark., in 1857, and in 1859 came to Kansas, settling in Allen county, September 12th of that year. They located on a farm east of Iola, near where the power house now stands. The father was successfully engaged in farming and stock raising here until 1883, when he removed to California, where he now resides. John D. Arnett received his education in the public schools of Iola, and when a young man entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Iola, and was with that company about nine years. He then became interested in the telephone business and promoted the Iola Telephone Company. This was the first telephone system to be installed in Iola and was organized September 1, 1897. Mr. Arnett made a phenomenal success of this business and in 1905 sold the Iola telephone system to the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company, becoming local manager for that company. He held that position until 1908, when he organized the State Savings Bank of Iola, and became president of that institution, a position which he has since held. This bank is one of the substantial institutions of Southeastern Kansas. It was organized in 1908 with a capital of $25,000, and on June 15, 1908, its doors were opened to the business public. The State Savings Bank has had a rapid and substantial growth since it began business. The official report of September 29, 1909, showed deposits of $67,533.28, with resources of $97,116.35, and the last official report dated March 9, 1914, shows deposits amounting to $127,481.23 and resources, $158,335.60. These figures show a remarkable increase in the volume of business for that period. The present officers of the bank are: J. D. Arnett, president; J. F. Neigh, vicepresident; Cob. Langon, vice-president; Joe McKinley, cashier, and E. C. McClain, assistant cashier. Mr. Arnett was married October 26, 1897, to Miss Lillie, daughter of J. B. and Julia (Porter) McKinley. J. B. McKinley was an early settler in Coffey county, and was a teacher in that county for many years. He died in August, 1902. Mrs. Arnett was born and reared in Coffey county, Kansas, receiving her education in the public schools of Burlington. In addition to his banking interests, Mr. Arnett is engaged in the real estate and loan business at Iola. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose.