Representative Robert Bruce Arnold View All Years

HON. ROBERT BRUCE ARNOLD.

MR. SPEAKER—Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorative of the life character and public services of the honorable Robert Bruce Arnold, late member of the House of Representatives in the twenty-seventh general assembly, beg leave to report the following:

Robert Bruce Arnold, was born near Greencastle, Indiana, January 29, 1834, and with his father and family came to Monroe county, Iowa as one of the pioneer families of the county and state in the year 1846. With the exception of two years spent in Decatur county, Iowa and one year in Wapello county, his life thereafter was spent and his influence interwoven with the county of his adoption until his death at the home of his daughter Mrs. J. D. Devereaux at Albia, Iowa on the fifth day of October, 1916.

Mr. Arnold was peculiarly identified with the history of his county and state by reason of his having come to Monroe county on the same day that this state of Iowa was admitted into the Union, December 28, 1846. Pioneer as he was, vigorous in mind and body, as characterized such early settlers, he typified that Iowa citizenship which has meant so much in placing this state in the front rank of the sisterhood of this republic. It was but fitting that one so endowed and thus identified should honor and be honored by his county with a seat in the Iowa legislature.

His was the honor and his the privilege to contribute to the twenty-seventh general assembly in his unassuming dignity the impress of his character and ability upon the state.

He was learned, evidenced not by diplomas from academic hall but evidenced rather by that legible handwriting of his Maker stamped upon his countenance and proclaimed naturally and unintentionally through his speech and eevry day intercourse with his fellow-men. His education limited to the opportunities afforded by the schools of pioneer days bears testimony to the efficiency of that school system which has for its object as the word itself implies the leading out and development of that which is best in man. He was a student of nature, a student of history, an honored and honorable lover of both.

In private life and public service he was honored and loved by all who knew him best. His life and labors rank among the lasting contributions to his county, his state and his nation.

Resolved, That in his death we have lost a worthy citizen, an honorable former member of this House, one whose life is worthy of examplification by us whose duty it is to faithfully discharge the responsibility of citizenship; and be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions in memoriam be printed in the journal of the House and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an engrossed copy to the family of the deceased.

W. E. GILTNER,

S. W. KLAUS,

GEO. W. CROZIER,

Chairman.

Adopted March 6, 1917.