On the River
Muscatine, Iowa
Rivermen
Book
compiled and copyrighted by
Georgeann McClure
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George Arnold, Capt.
MUSCATINE JOURNAL
Feb. 22, 1905
Prominent Citizen Passed Away This Morning
Capt. GEORGE ARNOLD ANSWERS CALL
Dies at His Home on West Fourth Street-Was Well Known in This
City-an ex-Alderman and Boat Captain.
Just as the night was changing to morning the spirit of George
Arnold was summoned to answer roll call in his Masters throne.
Surrounded by his wife and family Mr. Arnold passed away at his home
601 West Fourth street, at 12:20 o’clock this morning. His death was
very quiet and peaceful and was so characteristic of the life he had
led. Without a murmur, without a struggle, he quietly went to sleep
to awake in that better land.
Had Been Quite Ill
For the past week Mr. Arnold had been quite ill at his home with an
attack of pneumonia. He had had a cold for some time, but did not
think it very serious until last Wednesday when he was compelled to
take to his bed. Since that time he has gradually been growing
weaker until all hope for his recovery was given up by his family.
The end came as a shock to his beloved wife and sister. Mrs. W. A.
Edminston, as they were unprepared for this sudden parting.
Was a Prominent Citizen
Mr. Arnold was one of the most prominent citizens of Muscatine.
For six years he was the alderman for the first ward and represented
the people of that ward in such a way that won only commendation for
him from everyone. He believed in honesty and right living and so
was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
Member of Sand Company
During the last few years Mr. Arnold had been a member of the
Muscatine Sand Company, which has been operating at this point,
pumping sand from the river bed near the city. As a business man he
was honored by his associates on account of his square dealings.
Was Born At Quincy
George Arnold was born in Quincy Ill., on April 19, 1846, After
spending a few of his earliest years of his life in that city, he
moved to Port Louisa with his parents, and later came to this city
in 1858, He has made Muscatine his home ever since. Mr. Arnold was
educated in the schools of this city after which he entered the
service of his father, Capt. Arnold and became a river engineer.
Helped Run First Ferry Boat
Mr. Arnolds father was the captain of the first ferry boat operating
at this point. This boat was called the “Muscatine” and carried
passengers across the river back and forth from Illinois. It was on
this boat that Mr. Arnold saw his first experience as a river man.
Became Captain of “Holston”
After several years of service with his father he became
captain of the steamer “Holston,” in the year 1870.
Several years after this Mr. Arnold conducted a rafting business,
transferring, the log rafts from Reeds landing to Keokuk. He left
this work to go on the government steamer where he worked for many
years. In the year 1883, Mr. Arnold purchased a half interest in the
“Ida May” which was the last ferry boat operating at this point. He
was connected with the boat until the high bridge was erected.
Married in 1883
On September 25, 1883, Mr. Arnold was united in marriage with Miss
Helen Leysen, of this city, who now is left to mourn his death.
Will Be Missed By Many
Besides the immediate members of his family, his wife and sister,
Mrs. W.A. Edminston, Mr. Arnold’s death will be mourned by the many
friends and business associates.
Funeral to Be Friday
The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o’clock, in St.
Mathias church. Rev. F.J. Leonard and Rev. J.I. Greiser will conduct
the service and read the high mass service of that church. The
internment will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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St. Mary's Cemetery |
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George J Arnold
Born Apr. 19, 1846
Died Feb. 22, 1905 |
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Helen Arnold
Born: Feb. 15,1849
Died: Feb 20, 1928 |
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^ Arrow points to
small individual stones for George and Helen Arnold. |
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![](images/image005.jpg) |
The Arnold Home
601 w. 3rd Street
Muscatine, Iowa
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Leonard Arnold, Capt..
Capt. Leonard Arnold
Sudden Death of Leonard Arnold
"Old Settlers" (Page 464)
Another old settler has answered the final summons and gone to the
great beyond. Leonard Arnold, a well known and highly esteemed
citizen, suddenly passed away at his home on West Fourth and Locust
streets at 5:30 this morning, of heart failure. He was taken ill on
election day last and was confined to his home for some time, but
managed to recover and was about for part of the time, being down
town only yesterday, greeting his old friends. This morning about
5:10 he went to the stair door of his home and called his daughter,
Mrs. W.A. Edminston, advising her that he was not feeling well and
asked her to get him a warm drink of some kind, which she promptly
did, and in the meantime aroused her brother, George, who lives in
the adjoining house. When the latter reached the old home he was
pained to see his beloved father gasping his last breath, for a
second later all was over, it being just 5:30 o’clock. It was a
terrible shock to the son and daughter to realize that the end had
come so suddenly, but heart trouble and old age had done its work.
Deceased was born in Schnornabach Grand Duchy, Hesen-Darmstadt,
Germany, January 5, 1822, and came to this country, landing in New
York in 1844, where he remained but a short time, then he went to
Pittsburgh, and from there to Quincy, when in 1846 he removed to
Port Louisa county, Iowa, then Wallings Landing, where he remained
until in 1858 he came to Muscatine, and here he had resided ever
since, being engaged in the wood, coal and sand business, and
followed boating on the old Mississippi, being known as Capt. Arnold
for many miles up and down the river. He was a good citizen, quiet
and unassuming, honest and industrious, a kind husband and father,
and had the confidence of all who knew him. He was married in 1846
to Miss Anna M. Merkel, who preceded him in death about seventeen
years ago.
Religiously he was a faithful member of St. Mathias church, from
which the funeral will take place Friday morning at 9 o’clock.