Abraham Lincoln Arnold

ARNOLD, NISWENDER, MILLS, DURHAM, BOND, KIMZEY

Posted By: Theresa Mason (email)
Date: 12/28/2005 at 22:33:23

Abraham Lincoln Arnold, for many years a resident of the vicinity of Norwood, died Thursday, Feb 13 at Indianola. Abraham Lincoln Arnold, youngest son of James M. and Margaret Durham Arnold, was born in Marion County, Iowa, September 26,1862, and passed away at Indianola, Iowa, February 13,1941, at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 18 days. He came with his parents to Lucas County as a child of seven years of age and located on a farm east of Norwood. Here he lived for 61 years. He was united in marriage to Anna Bond, September 24, 1885. To this union five children were born; Mrs. Velma Niswender and Bruce B. of Lucas; Mrs. Hazel Mills, of Liberty Center, and Harold Z. of Ottumwa, and Ira Thomas, who died October 13, 1924. Besides his children he leaves to mourn his departure fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His wife passed away July 21, 1906. During the last decade of his life he made his home with his daughters, except the last year which was spent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Kimzey, of Indianola, Iowa. Mrs. Kimzey is the mother of two of Mr. Arnold's grandsons, Thomas and Robert, of California. It is not necessary to write a lengthy obituary of "Link" Arnold. His plain and simple life was a lasting tribute to his memory. As a citizen he was one of the most upright and honest. He took an active interest in the welfare of the community, especially along educational lines. He served as secretary of the Norwood school board for many years and he helped circulate the first petition for the present school system. His education was in the old rural school at Norwood but his learning did not end with his school days. He was always grasping every opportunity to learn more. His musical talent was a source of great pleasure all through his life and especially his declining years with his children and grand-children. His was a life of sacrifice. When left alone in middle life, with a family he took up his cross and bore it with fortitude. He was a sincere believer in God and a friend to his fellow men. Although he had been in failing health for several years, his last sickness was of short duration and he met his death with that same courage that was his through life. The memory of a kind and loving father and grandfather is cherished in the hearts of his children and grandchildren. Funeral services were held in the Norwood church, Norwood, Iowa, on Sunday afternoon, February 16, 1941, with Rev. Glen W. Lamb officiating.