Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-07-26
A QUEER LIFE,
Led by One of West Virginia's Most
Prominent Men
And His Wife-A Reconciliation That Prob
ably Took Place lust Before Death
Parted Them Forever.
CDTcsD0ndencc of the Rcgistcr.

Correspondence Of the Rcg'ST.
BEVERLY, W. Va, July 24.-Mr. Jons-
than Arnold, one of the most prominent
citizens of the couFesr, who died at his
residence, in this place, on the Goth inst,
OF dropsy, in the eighty fourth year Of his
sge, has a curious history. Mr.. Arnold
came 10 this country some fifty or sixty
years ago from Fayette county, Pa, and
wor ksd at the tanners trade for a number
of years. By industry and close applica-
ton TO business his wealth commenced to
inc ease, when he reliLq Lquished the tan
UeIs' trade and commenced TO deal in real
estate, buying principally the wild lands
whenever an opportunity was presented,
knowing that with the settlement OF the
country their value would he enhanced
ten 70 d. At the time Of his death he was
cit ed among the
Largest Land Owners
in the State, his acres being numbered up
u Ia the thousands, which are situated in
ebster, Tucker, Upshur and Randolph
CouHlies, besides the several foe grazing
fIrDs IN this county. Mr.. Arnold has
been married three times, his last wife,
who survives him, being the only remain
ing sister OF General StonewaIl Jackson.
accounted the wealthiest man in the
couRty, and although his sympathies We're
with the Soulh, he kept his own counsel
and remained al home. After the war had
progressed some time, he made prepsra-
tons TO visit a sister in Gilmer county,
when it was reported to the Federals that
be was making preparations to leave for
the South, and by orders OF Col. Latham,
who was in command here at the time, he
was arrested and taken to Clarksburg and
finally released on parole. When the var
commenced, Mrs. Arnold, from some cause
inex xpIicable to the people, espoused the
Cause OF the North
and remained a steadtast friend OF the
Union. On the return OF her husband from
Clarksburg be accused her of being inStru-
menlSl in his arrest and imprisonment,
and r, mained separated as man and wife to
the day of his death. Mrs. Arnold re-
tanned possession Of the residence here un-
Ill the close Of the war, when it was re-
sumed by her husband, while she has
made her residence partly in OHIO and this
State since that time. Why Mrs. Arlo.d
pursued the course she did in turning her
back on her iliustrous brother (Stonewslll
and other relations who espoused the cause
of the South has been a mysterious phe-
romenon to all who have the particulars.
Alter the close OF the war, wnen the civil
authorities assumed sway, Mrs. Arnold
commenced
Suit for Alimopy,
when her husband fled cross salt for
divorce, both of which engendered great
deal OF hard feeling and talk. After bsing
in litigation long time trial was had,
when q decree was ordered by Judge 7. W.
Hsrrison allowing her $3.50 per snnum, but
refused to grant the petition OF her hus-
band for divorce. Mrs. Arnold was ably
defended by Poundstone, while Mr.. Ar
nOld's interest was well defended by Col.
J. P. Cresap. Mrs. Arnold has been an in
mate Of retreat for the sick in Ohio for
some time, but returned here Q short time
sgo and has remained . constant attendant
at her husbands bedside. Whether any
took place between tnem We
are not able to say. Mr.. Arnold WAS skcp.
Hcal in his religious views, bordering on
tie AtheisticaI on everything relating to
the hereafter, and died as. be had Eysd.
The funeral vas delayed until Monday
last to await the arrival of his son, Thos.
J. Arnold, who had been summoned fro"1
California previous TO his death. Mr.. Ar
pold was fine historian aud possessed one
of the finest private libraries in this part
of the State.