One of the old and substantial business houses of Topeka is that now conducted under the style of Arnold Drug Company, an establishment which had been operated by father and son. This business was founded nearly forty-seven years ago by the late Andrew Arnold, who same 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, whe 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 commended a course at the Indiana State University, but before be had completed his eduention 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 ou a number of occasions was always recaptured, 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 opportnuities 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 resonrces 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 be 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 oceurred 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 or the Republic.
Mr. Arnold married Miss Louisa Campbell, daughter of Matthew Monroe Campbell, for many years president of the Indiana Stato 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.