J. C. Arnold

J. C. ARNOLD, proprietor of the largest general store in Edna, Labette IF] county, Kansas, located in the county in the fall of 1883. He is a native of Henry county, Kentucky, was born in 1859, and is a son of J. L. and Sophia (Barbee) Arnold.

J. L. Arnold was a Kentuckian, and, died in his native state in 1894. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics. His wife, Sophia (Barbee) Arnold, died in 1890. They reared five sons and three daughters, namely: Kate, deceased at the age of twelve years; Emma (Batterton) and Nathaniel, of Eminence, Kentucky; Joshua C., the subject of this sketch; Ella C. (Logan), of Lexington, Kentucky; Robert L., a merchant of Anthony, Kansas; C. C., a merchant at Carl junction, Missouri; and William F., an attorney at Lowell, Massachusetts.

J. C. Arnold was reared in Kentucky, where he attended the college at Eminence. He assisted his father on the farm until he reached his majority, and in the fall of 1883 removed to Elm Grove township, Labette county, Kansas, where he farmed for three years. He then moved to old Kingston, where he lived for six months, and then returned to Edna, to which point the town of Kingston had moved. He conducted a dry goods, grocery and gents' furnishing store, under his own name, for a time, and then entered into partnership with his brother, under the firm name of Arnold Brothers. This partnership continued for five years; since 1896, the firm name has been J. C. Arnold & Son. Mr. Arnold entered the present two-story, brick building, 100 by 25 feet in dimensions, in 1899, and has a large well stocked store. The Sun printing office is on the second floor, and the remaining space there is used for clothing and carpets. Mr. Arnold carries a stock of goods worth $20,000, and does an immense business. His Indian trade is very heavy, and extends, from 20 to 25 miles south. Mr. Arnold employs six assistants.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Janie Thomas, of Newcastle, Kentucky, and they have three sons and one daughter, namely: Richard, who, is in partnership with his father; Nathaniel, who is, at home; William, who is two years old; and Helen. Mr. Arnold has a fine home in Edna; and is one of the most progressive citizens of the town. He is a man of honest and open business methods, and is highly esteemed for his loyalty as a citizen. Politically, Mr. Arnold is a Democrat. He is a member of the Edna lodge, A. F. & A. M.; the I. 0. 0. F., of Edna; and the K. of P. In religious views, he is liberal.