Louis S. Rephlo, mayor of Jefferson City for the years 1919 and 1920 and a recognized leader in political circles in the state, was born December 20, 1880, in the city which is still his home, his parents being Frank H. and Josephine A. (Haar) Rephlo, who were likewise natives of Missouri. The father was for many years a merchant of Jefferson City and one of its leading business men. He never took an active part in public affairs but was identified with all movements to better the city and promote its substantial growth and improvement.
Louis S. Rephlo was educated in St. Peter’s Catholic school and after mastering the branches of learning equivalent to a high school course he entered the St. Louis University, from which he was graduated in 1899 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. He afterwards returned to Jefferson City, where he entered the Merchants Bank, in which he is now cashier. He has been associated with the bank all through the Intervening years since 1901, save from 1915 to 1917, when he was bookkeeper with the Star Clothing Company, which in the latter year removed to St. Louis. Mr. Rephlo then returned to the bank and is now capably serving as cashier, having comprehensive knowledge of the banking business and of all of the activities contributory to the success of the institution.
Mr. Rephlo has figured quite prominently in the public life of Jefferson City and from 1915 to 1917 occupied the office of city assessor, while in April, 1919, he was elected mayor and gave to the city a businesslike, progressive and beneficial administration. He was also nominated on the democratic ticket for the office of state senator in 1920, but was defeated in the general republican landslide of that year.
On the 22d of January, 1907, in Jefferson City, Mr. Rephlo was married to Miss Rose M. Goetz. a representative of one of the well known families here, her father being a cigar manufacturer. Four children have been born of this marriage: Sylvester J. Mary Inez, Helen Louise and Rita Marienne.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church. During the World war Mr. Rephlo was very active in support of all drives for the Red Cross, the Liberty Loan and other agencies contributing to the success of American arms. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He finds recreation and interest in baseball, in hunting and fishing. He is a man of genial social nature, whose sterling qualities win for him many friends, and Jefferson City admires and is proud of her ex-mayor.