LEVI ARNOLD, Gun Plain, Allegan Co., Michigan

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History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan, with Illustrations and 
Biographical Sketches of their Prominent Men and Pioneers.
Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co.  1880.  Press of J. B. Lippincott & 
Co., Philadelphia.

Levi Arnold was born July 11, 1844, in the township of Gun Plain, 
Allegan Co., Mich., where his father, Dan Arnold, settled in 1833, 
buying the farm now owned by his heirs, and occupied by Levi, from the 
government.  On this farm Levi has grown to manhood, seeing much of 
early life in a new country, and growing up with the county his family 
has done so much to clear up and improve.  In  1862, Levi and his 
brother, George T., bought the home-farm of the heirs, and for several 
years worked it in common.  They then sold back to the heirs, and Levi 
has since then rented it and carried it on successfully.
  On the 11th day of December, 1872, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss 
Julia Starr, who was born Feb. 17, 1850.  Their union has been blessed 
with one child, Harold L., born Feb. 14, 1878.  On the breaking out of 
the Rebellion, Mr. Arnold enlisted in the First Michigan Infantry, but 
was thrown out on account of size and a broken foot.  In 1869, with an 
idea of improving his own stock, he bought of E. B. Bissell the Poland 
China known as "Old Darkey," which was the first full-blood Poland 
brought to the county.  The following year Mr. Arnold bought of F. B. 
Pratt the Poland China known as "Lady Pratt," and the same year of E. 
B. Bissell "Long John," and soon after "Richard Jones," of C. W. Jones, 
of Richland.  The same year, wishing to better his herd, he went to 
Ohio, and of David Finch, one of the best stock-breeders in that State, 
bought "Old Success," which was one of the best Polands ever brought 
into the State.  These purchases were followed by others as good, 
making his herd one of the best in the State.  He also bought in Ohio, 
of Joseph Morton, another famous breeder, the animals known as "Black 
Bess" and "Maid of Oxford;" also of William W. Greer "Billy Greer A," 
and second "Queen of Butler."  These purchases represent the Harkrader, 
Pugh, and Perfection strain.  Mr. Arnold keeps his herd well filled by 
purchasing, from time to time, from other States, the best animals that 
can be bought, thus keeping up the reputation of his herd and 
increasing his popularity as a breeder of pure-blooded swine.  From the 
small beginning made in 1869 he has increased his business, until now 
his animals are sent to all parts of the United States, and his patrons 
are each year increasing.