BIO:  Ephraim Arnold, York County, PA

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Peach Bottom Township, Pg 161

EPHRAIM ARNOLD was born in Lancaster County, Penn., November 3, 1834.  His parents, William and 
Julia A. (Barnett) Arnold, were natives of that county, and of Irish extraction.  They reared a 
family of eight sons and two daughters, and lost four by death in infancy.  William Arnold was 
for many years a slate operator, but late in life his attention was given to mercantile 
pursuits.  Our subject is the fifth of the children reared to maturity, and his early life was 
passed on a farm.  After receiving a liberal education at Chestnut Level Academy and 
Millersville State Normal School he taught several terms in the public schools.  When grown to 
manhood he passed several years as a canal boatman in summer, and continued to teach in winter.  
From 1862 to 1866 he was engaged as clerk with McConkey Brothers at Peach Bottom; later with 
Rufus Wiley, same place; then with Lewis C. Wiley, Slate Hill, and again with Rufus Wiley.  In 
the spring of 1873 he formed a partnership with Hugh N. McConkey, and bought out L. C. Wiley, 
general merchant at Slate Hill.  About one year afterward he bought out his partner’s interest 
and admitted James A. Towson, of Harrisburg.  In 1878 Mr. Towson sold out to his son, who 
continued in the firm until 1882, having in the meantime removed their store to Delta.  Mr. 
Arnold married Eliza A. Patton, in Philadelphia, November 28, 1867.  Mrs. Arnold is a native of 
York County, and is a sister of John F. Patton, druggist, of York.  The family are of Irish 
origin.  Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have five children:  John P., William E., Mary L., T., Frederick 
and Edith R.  Mr. Arnold was a member of the first council of Delta, was active in securing its 
incorporation, and has held and acceptably filled a number of other offices under the 
corporation.  He was a charter member of Esdracion Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has been its 
secretary since its organization.  He is also secretary of Mount Hebron Lodge, I. O. O. F., and 
is vice-president of the Delta Building and Loan Association.