Andrew J. Arnold

ANDREW J. ARNOLD. One of the old and substantial business houses of Topeka is that now conducted under the style of Arnold Drug Company, an establishment which has been operated by father and son. This business was founded nearly forty-seven years ago by the late Andrew Arnold, who came here as a poor young man and subsequently advanced to a substantial position in business circles and to a leading place in civic affairs.

Andrew J. Arnold was born in 1845, at Columbus, the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana, a son of Ephraim Arnold, who was a pioneer of Indiana and prominent in politics at an early day. Ephraim Arnold married a Miss Perry, who was a near relative of Commodore Perry. After attending the public schools of Columbus, Andrew J. Arnold commenced a course at the Indiana State University, but before he had completed his education, enlisted, when yet but a lad, in Company G, Second Indiana Cavalry for service in the Civil war. He served gallantly with that regiment until captured by the enemy, when he was confined at Andersonville, and although he escaped from the stockade on a number of occasions was always re-captured and continued to be held a prisoner until exchanged. When his military service was completed, he returned to the university, from which he was duly graduated. Feeling that there were better opportunities awaiting him in Kansas, the young man came to this state in the winter of 1869-70, and took up his residence at Topeka, where, in the early part of the latter year, he established himself in business as a druggist. His resources were not great and he was compelled to start in a small way, but through industry and strict attention he managed to build up a good retail trade, and at the time of his death he was the owner of a thriving business which bore an excellent reputation in drug circles. He early became actively identified with local affairs of a public nature, and as a stalwart democrat, wielded more than an ordinary influence in the ranks of his party. About 1892 or 1893, during President Cleveland's second administration, he was appointed postmaster at Topeka, and held that office for five years. Mr. Arnold's death occurred March 30, 1899. He was an unusually likable man, liberal and charitable, and ever ready to extend a helping hand to the unfortunate and to deserving enterprises. Fraternally, he was affiliated with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for many years he held membership in the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Arnold married Miss Louisa Campbell, daughter of Matthew Monroe Campbell, for many years president of the Indiana State University and otherwise prominent in educational work in the Hoosier state. Mrs. Arnold, who died in 1913, was also related to General Campbell, who commanded the Continental forces at the Battle of King's Mountain, during the Revolutionary war. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold: Edith, who died in early childhood; and Edgar C.

Edgar C. Arnold was born in the city of which he is now a resident August 18, 1872, and has always made his home at Topeka. He received his primary education in the city schools, attended Washburn College for two years, and was then a student at the Kansas State University for a like period. With this preparation he embarked in the drug business with his father, under the style of A. J. Arnold & Son, and at the time of his father's death succeeded to the business. In 1899 it was incorporated as the Arnold Drug Company, and as such has since remained. The business was formerly confined to the retail trade, but under Mr Arnold's management has extended its scope as to take care of wholesale business as well, and in both departments has shown a rapid and steady development. Other enterprises and institutions have had the benefit of Mr. Arnold's business judgment, foresight and acumen, and at this time he is identified with the State Savings Bank and the Citizens Bank as a director; the Capitol Building and Loan Association as vice president and director, the Elmhurst Investment Company as a director; and the Shawnee Investment Company as vice president and a director. He is a democrat, but his heavy business interests have allowed him to take no more than a good citizen's participation in public and political affairs. Mr. Arnold is fraternally identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and socially is a popular member of the Country Club and the Topeka Commercial Club. He always has given his support to measures which have promised to aid Topeka's civic or business development.

On March 14, 1911, Mr. Arnold was united in marriage with Miss Lina Pliley, of Shawnee County, Kansas.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 & 2
BIOGRAPHIES — VOLUMES 3, 4, & 5
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