For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 144
GILBERT A. ARNOLD. Gilbert A. Arnold, of Muscatine county, whose name is a synonym for industry, perseverance and the successful accomplishments of worthy objects, is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, but has been for many years a resident of this county. He was born Febraury 19, 1848, a son of Henry and Frances ( Muse ) Arnold. His parents were both born in Kentucky and were descendants of old Virginia families. The father died in 1909, having passed his entire life in his native state. The mother was called away in 1896. There were three children in the family besides the subject of this review, namely: Emeline L., now the wife of W. F. See, of Des Moines, Iowa; Martha J., now Mrs. Levi Houston, of Beechburg, Kentucky; and Rolly T., also of Kentucky.Gilbert A. Arnold was reared in his native state and there possessed such opportunities of education as the public schools afforded. He learned the wagon-making trade and worked with his father until thirty years of age, when he began farming on his own account in Jones county, Iowa, where he rented land for three years. Industrious, enterprising and willing to practice self-denial when necessary in order to accumulate sufficient capital to start independently, he acquired the money necessary to purchase a part of the land in Muscatine county which he now owns. After coming to this county he applied himself even more vigorously to the vocation for which by nature he is eminently fitted, and he is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres which he has made highly productive and is enjoying the fruits of his wisely directed labor.
On the first of February, 1866. Mr. Arnold was united in marriage in Kentucky to Miss Jennella Luman, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary ( Elson ) Luman, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lumas, five of whom are now living, namely: Jennella, now Mrs. Arnold; Daniel, of Winchester, Kentucky; John, of West Liberty, Iowa; Edward D., of Los Angeles, California; and U. S. Grant, of Joplin, Missouri. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: John Henry, who is married and lives on a farm in Muscatine county; William T., who is also married and lives near Atalissa, Iowa; Emma K., the wife of Alpha Rabe, of Muscatine county; Bert, who died at the age of seventeen years; Harriet, a graduate of the high school, who is now a successful teacher of music and is living at home; and Gilbert Otis, a student in the high school.
Mr. Arnold gives an honest support to the republican party and has served as township trustee and road supervisor, and also for twenty years past as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No.22, A. F. & A. M., of Ionia, and has filled several of the chairs in that organization.
His family are faithful members of the Christian church. He is an active, public-spirited man and has been a highly useful citizen, ever seeking to advance the permanent welfare of his fellowmen. The keynote of his character is fidelity to responsibility, and in endeavoring to accomplish the purpose he has added largely to his own happiness and the happiness of all with whom he has been identified.
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