From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 668-669.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


FRANKLIN ARNOLD

Franklin Arnold is one of the most progressive and successful men in 
Marshall county. Becoming a farmer at the age of twenty-one, he has 
pursued that calling up to the present time with unvarying success.  
Like all men who have gotten the best out of life, he has had time to 
give his attention to other things besides his own calling.  In 
politics, he exerts considerable influence, having represented his 
district in the state legislature, besides holding other positions of 
public trust.  His farm is a model of good management, with its 
comfortable residence, and neat out-buildings, thoroughbred stock, 
and general appearance of thrift.  Mr. Arnold is a well read man, 
being thoroughly informed upon all the questions  of the day.  He is 
still in the prime of his life, having been born in the year 1852.  
His father, Van Lear Arnold, was born near Wheeling, W.Va., in 1812.  
He has been a resident of Marshall county for forty years.  In his 
younger days he was a farmer of unusual ability and enterprise, and 
his labors have been attended with the success that industry and good 
judgement generally bring.  Mr. Arnold has made ample provision for 
each of his children, who have all brought him much honor.  Although 
never an active politician, yet, he has always been well versed in 
all important issues.  He has filled the offices of both real and 
personal property assessor, with great efficiency, and with credit to 
himself.  For fifty years he has been a prominent supporter and 
member of the Presbyterian church, serving as a presiding elder in 
that denomination for many years.  He was married in 1842 to Miss 
Mary Blevins.  Seven children are the issue of this marriage:  Wylie, 
Augustus, Elizabeth; Eleanor, now deceased; Cyrus, Edgar and 
Franklin.  Mrs. Arnold finally succumbed to the insidious disease of 
consumption, and was laid to rest in 1862.  She was a devout member 
of the Methodist Episcopal church.  In 1874 Mr. Arnold was again 
married, this time to Sallie M. Barnes, and he is now spending his 
years in peace and contentment on his farm near Moundsville.  His 
son, Wylie, married Martha Gibson, in November, 1861.  Their children 
are: Mary, Rose and Belle.  Elizabeth became Mrs. M. B. Pierce, 
November 19, 1869.  Edwin A. and Arthur DeWitt, aretheir children.   
   

(Linda Fluharty)