Ferdinand Arnd is preeminently a self-made man. Beginning life with no capital other than his native abilities, he has by perseverance, industry and the force of a strong personality, attained to a place among the influential and substantial citizens of his community.  A native of Germany, he was born May 21, 1838, and is a son of Damin and Grace Arnd, who passed their lives in Germany, their native land, the father being a carpenter by occupation..

Ferdinand acquired his education in his native land, and there learned the butcher’s business, and on coming to this country in 1857 engaged in that occupation at Two Rivers, Wis.  Removing thence a little later to Green Bay, he there followed the same line of trade with good success until the opening of the Civil War.  In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company H. Ninth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army three years and four months, participating in numerous important battles and skirmishes, and being wounded at Cairo.  On returning from the war Mr. Arnd opened a retail butcher shop at Green Bay, and from 1865 to 1871 conducted a profitable business in that line.  With the capital acquired from his business he then bought eighty-five acres of land in Vinland township, Winnebago county, to which he afterward added forty-five acres, and settled down to farming, at the same time engaging in slaughtering and in buying and selling cattle. In these several employments Mr. Arnd has occupied himself during all the years that have since elapsed, adding to his farm and home many modern improvements, and making it one of the recognized model farms of the country.

In all his relations and dealings Mr. Arnd is actuated by manly motives, and such has always been his demeanor that he maintains the confidence and esteem of his immediate community and of all with whom he has to do. He is a Republican in politics, but has never held public office. He belongs to the H. J. Lewis Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Menasha.

In 1865 Mr. Arnd married Miss Susanna Dix, whose many womanly virtues endeared her to all who knew her. She died in 1893, leaving seven children.  Of these Clara, the eldest, is married to William Beam off Dale; Theresa is married to Fred Nagle of Neenah; Lizzie is the wife of William Shave, of Oshkosh; Mary is married to R. Steingay and lives in Fremont, Wis.; Christ is a farmer; Charles married Miss Anna Haker and lives on the family homestead in Vinland township, where also William, the youngest chiild, resides. The two oldest children were born in Green Bay and the others at the home place.

In 1894 Mr. Arnd married Miss Augusta Durkey, who died in 1905, leaving no issue.