Monroe county will be represented in the house this winter by the Hon. R. B. Arnold, a pioneer democrat in politics. Mr. Arnold was born in Putnam county, Indiana, January 29, 1834. When he was a lad of 13 years he came with his parents to Iowa, settling in Monroe county. His education was limited to the country schools, such as the pioneer boys of fifty years ago were able to obtain, while sitting on a bench made from a split log, then hewed with a broadax, their feet dangling anywhere from six to sixteen inches from the floor. The school-house was a log cabin building, far different from the educational institutions of this day. Mr. Arnold has gleaned a practical education by reading and the study of current events in the business and political world. He was married in January, 1860, to Miss Margaret Stamm, and to them have been born six children, of whom four are living. He is a member of the Christian church, with tendencies to the Universalist belief. He has never united with any of the secret societies from lack of local opportunity, but is an admirer of the Masonic organization. He has been a member of the Grange. He has held the offices of town clerk, of Foster, his present home, township assessor and trustee, and justice of the peace, and was postmaster of Urbana City, which office has been discontinued. He comes to the legislature ready to do his share in promoting the best legislation for the general welfare of the state. He is an active man in the democratic politics of his district, and deserves the recognition given him in selecting him to represent them in the house.