Thomas Arnold

From History of Frederick County. p. 1061-1062:

Thomas Arnold, son of John and Sarah (Karn) Arnold, was born, January 22, 1841, on the farm now occupied by his son, George Arnold.

The family is one of the oldest and best known in Frederick County. It is supposed that David Arnold, the grandfather of Thomas Arnold, emigrated from Germany; he settled in Middletown Valley, Frederick County, where he became a prosperous farmer, and the owner of several tracts of land. He died on one of these farms in 1841, at the age of 84 years. David Arnold married and had three children: 1, John; 2, Peter, who married Mary Harshman; he died in Burkittsville; 3, Lydia (Mrs. John Ausherman), died at Arnoldstown, Frederick County.

The eldest of these, John Arnold, was born in 1795, near Burkittsville. Be received a very limited education, having been at school but twelve days when he began farm work on a tract of 200 acres, now a part of the farm owned by his grandson, George V. Arnold. The land was at that time in a very poor condition. Mr. Arnold paid only sixteen dollars per acre for it. When he died, in 1860, he was the owner of several good farms, and was well and favorably known throughout the county. He was a man of stalwart physique and commanding appearance; was active in public life, and took a lively interest in current affairs. In politics, he was first a Whig, but at a later time, changed his views, and voted with the Democratic party.

On March 5, 1818, John Arnold married Sarah Kara. Mrs. Arnold died in August, 1878, aged about seventy-eight years. She was a member of the Dunkard Church and a devout Christian woman. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Arnold were: 1, Eliza, born April 5 1819, died in childhood; 2, not christened, died while an infant; 3, David, born October 13, 1821 (see his sketch) ; 4, Huldah, born March 23, 1824; was married, April 13, 1843, to Hanson Ausherman; died in Washington County, Md., April 16, 1864; 5, John, born May 28. 1826, married, March 18, 1851, to Matilda Beachley; after her death, he married Annie Himes, and later, Sarah Williams; he removed to Loudoun County, Va., where he died; 6, Sarah, born June 28, 1828, married John Fink; they removed to Virginia, and thence to Kansas; 7, Ezra, born March 5, 1831, married Louisa Boyer, March 20. 1855; both are deceased; 8, Joshua, deceased, was born September 20, 1833 (see his sketch); 9, Mahlon, born February 14, 1836, married Martha E. Ahalt, March 7, 1867; both are deceased; 10, Martin V., born February 3, 1838; married Susan A. E. Haupt, July 28. 1870; they reside near Arnoldstown; 11, Thomas.

Early in life, Thomas Arnold became a pupil at the Pleasant View school, near his old home; the teacher at that time was Mr. Josephus Remsberg. He continued attending school during the winter months until he was eighteen years old, since which time farming has been the occupation of his life. In this business he has been remarkably successful. Beginning as a poor boy, he has become one of the wealthiest farmers of Frederick County, and holds a prominent position in the business world, as a bank director. Every dollar has been honorably earned. Although he began with very limited capital, he has always kept carefully abreast of the times, equipping his farm with the best of stock, and the most improved machinery. In all his investments, he has shown prudence, intelligence and good judgment. After the death of his mother, Mr. Arnold purchased the homestead, where he resided until 1896. He then built his present home, near the Dunkard Church, and since that time, has lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his labors. Besides the home farm. Mr. Arnold purchased two farms in Washington County. When his children married, he gave each one a farm on which to begin.

Thomas Arnold was married, March 30, 1869, to Miss Annie L. Ray. Their children are: 1, George V., resides on the home farm; was born February 14, 1870; married in 1893, to Emma Ausherman, daughter of David Ausherman, deceased; they have children, Thomas D., Annie Louise, and Robert Lee; 2, Jennie May, born May 23, 1871; married in 1895 to George B. Mullendore, of Washington County, Md.; they have four children, Mabel Marie, Mary Annabel, Arnold Lee and Olive Virginia; 3, Cora, born June 14, 1875, married Clifford Mullendore, of Washington County, Md.; has three children, Ellis Clifford, Eva Pauline, and Grace; 4, Eva Frances, born September 18, 1876; died August 29, 1900.

Mrs. Thomas Arnold died on March 6, 1880, Her remains are interred in the cemetery of the Dunkard Church, of which she was a member. She was instrumental in the erection of this house of worship. She is tenderly remembered for her beautiful life as wife, mother and friend.

Mr. Arnold is Democratic in his political opinions, but has never sought public offices, nor been willing to accept those offered to him.