ARNOLD, Fred

ARNOLD, SEXAUER, RENZIEHAUSEN

Posted By: Dora Mueller (email)
Date: 10/13/2007 at 10:59:51

The life record of Fred Arnold, of Hancock county, now deceased, was that of the successful farmer and banker and the story of his career illustrates what may be accomplished by persistent, earnest effort and should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to the young men who must start out as he did, empty handed. He was born in Germany, but was only six years of age when brought to America by his parents, Fred and Christina(Sexauer)Arnold, who after crossing the Atlantic made their way westward over the American continent to Clayton county, Iowa, where they took up their abode. They were in limited financial circumstances but displayed energy in the development and improvement of their farm.
Fred Arnold was but seventeen years of age when his father died and he thus became the sole support of the family. When a young man he purchased a small farm that constituted the nucleus of his later realty holdings and although he started in business in a limited way he became prosperous and at one time was the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Clayton county. In 1895 he removed to Hancock county, where he had previously bought land, a track of prairie, on which he turned the furrows and soon made extensive improvements. As years went on he became firmly established as a prosperous farmer and stock raiser and as his financial recourses increased he kept adding to his investments until he was the owner of several thousand acres of land in Hancock county, together with farm property in Clayton county and still more in South Dakota. He also figured as a factor in financial circles in this part of the state. Before removing to Hancock county he aided in organizing the First National Bank of Klemme and was active in formulating its policy continuing as the president until his demise. Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Mary Renziehausen, a native of Ohio, who went to Clayton county with her parents, who were among the earliest settlers of that region. Mrs. Arnold survives her husband and is now living at Klemme, where she has a pleasant home and is surrounded by all of life's comforts and some of its luxuries. My her marriage she became the mother of six children: Mrs. Emma Larson, now living in Klemme; Fred A., cashier of the First National Bank of Klemme; Ella, the wife of James Schneider, living at Goodell, Iowa; E. J. and Clarence A., who are farmers of Hancock county and are mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Amanda, the wife of Dr. C.B. Tice of Sioux Rapids, Iowa.
The death of the husband and father occurred December 12, 1907, when he had reached the age of sixty-three years. He had made for himself a very creditable and enviable position in business circles. He had never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction and along constructive lines had furthered his fortunes, depending upon close application, persistency of purpose and indefatigable industry for his success. He was always loyal in friendship and he counted no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children.
"History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa" pages 464-65