John Dosbaugh, president of the Dosbaugh National Bank of Cedar Vale, Kan., is one of the oldest bankers of the state, both in point of years and of connection with the banking business. In this practical age men are measured by what they have accomplished and in this respect the life story of Mr. Dosbaugh is replete with interest. His ancestors were Germans, a people remarkable for their enterprise, stability, thrift and industry, who in this country ever have stood at the fore in the advance along all lines of human progress. No nationality is more welcomed to citizenship in any community than is the German. Born in Stark county, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1834, Mr. Dosbaugh is a son of John and Mary (Kaughman) Dosbaugh, both of whom were born in Germany. These parents were wedded in the Fatherland, and immigrated to America soon after their marriage. Locating in Ohio, they there engaged in farming until 1845, when they removed to Illinois and were farmer residents of that state until their deaths. Both were members of the German Lutheran church and the father had seen military service under Napoleon. Mr. Dosbaugh received but a limited education. His parents died rather early in life and left to his care the younger children of the family. He remained at the old home a number of years and was engaged as a day laborer on the farm until 1870, when he came to Kansas. He bought a farm in Chautauqua county and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1884, when he established the Cedar Vale Banking Company, of which he was the largest stockholder and of which he became president. This became the Dosbaugh National Bank in 1903, and Mr. Dosbaugh has continued as its president. His son, John M. Dosbaugh, is cashier. It has a capital of $50,000, a surplus of $25,000 and undivided profits of $4,000, and deposits averaging $280,000. Nearly thirty years of conservative, but successful management has made the Dosbaugh National Bank a financial institution unquestioned as to its soundness and security. Well may Mr. Dosbaugh, now full of years, look back with gratification and pride upon his years of toil and endeavor for his has been a successful career. Besides his large interest in the bank he owns 4,276 acres of land, and is one of the wealthiest men of Chautauqua county. In 1907 he organized the Hewins State Bank at Hewins, Kan., which commenced business April 1, of that year, and of which he is president. This bank, like the Dosbaugh National, has done an excellent business from its inception and ranks among the best managed banks of the state.

In 1857 he wedded Elizabeth Momford, a daughter of John Momford, who also was a native of Germany. To their union was born one son, John M., who, as stated, is now cashier of the Dosbaugh National Bank. The wife and mother died in 1895. Mr. Dosbaugh is a Democrat in political views and fraternally is a Mason. He has served one term as commissioner of Chautauqua county.

John M. Dosbaugh, the son, was born in Clark county, Illinois, Sept. 29, 1870. He supplemented his public school education, received at Cedar Vale, by a year of study at Southwestern College, Winfield, Kan., and by one year's work in the University of Kansas. He entered upon an active business career in 1890, when he bought an interest in the Dosbaugh Bank and became its cashier on May 1 of that year. Since then he has been practically the directing head of that institution and its success is an evidence of his ability as a financier. The Dosbaugh National Bank is one of the old banks of the state and its stock is owned principally by the Dosbaughs, father and son. The latter also holds an extensive interest in farm lands.

On Oct. 30, 1892, was solemnized the marriage of John M. Dosbaugh and Miss Ona Wright, a daughter of Dr. W. T. Wright, who for many years was an active practitioner of medicine at Winfield, Kan. Dr. Wright is now retired, but continues his residence in Winfield. Two sons have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dosbaugh, namely: Madison, born Dec. 26, 1893, and Mortimer, born Aug. 28, 1896; both are now in school. Mrs. Dosbaugh and her sons are communicants of the Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Dosbaugh is a Democrat and fraternally he affiliates with the Masonic order and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In the former order he has attained the consistory degrees, and for a number of years was master of Chautauqua Lodge, No. 355, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. His membership in the Elks order is held in Lodge No. 732, at Winfield, Kan. Mr. Dosbaugh has evinced the same rare business ability and spirit of industry that have marked the career of his father and stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.