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GERMAN FAMILIES of
OCEAN SPRINGS
ARNDT FAMILY
George E. Arndt
George E. Arndt (1857-1945) was a native of Rodney, Jefferson County,
Mississippi. His parents, George E. Arndt (1827-1882) and Caroline
Russi (1832-1880), were German immigrants from Alsace-Lorraine and
Heidelberg respectively. They arrived at Rodney in 1852, probably
coming up river from New Orleans. The Arndts’ other children were:
Mary K. Arndt O'Brien (1854-1906), Magalene “Lena” Arndt Engbarth
(1856-1938), Michael A. Arndt (1859-1887), Henry Arndt (b. 1863), Emma
Arndt Meyer (1864-1938+), and Bettie Arndt Brook (b. 1865). (Ruth
Barrett, October 29, 2002)
George E. Arndt came to Ocean Springs on May 17, 1881, from Rodney,
Mississippi to be with his sister, Lena Engbarth. At Rodney, Mr.
Arndt had been in the confectionery business since the age of
sixteen. The Engbarths had arrived at Ocean Springs in February 1881,
from Rodney. They were there in Jefferson County, Mississippi for the
1880 US Federal Census. (History of JXCO, Ms., 1989, p. 111,
Along The
Gulf, 1895 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 4, 1881, p. 3)
Lena Arndt’s spouse, Emile Engbarth (1855-ca 1905), was the postmaster
at Ocean Springs from 1885 to 1889. As Emile and Lena A. Engbarth
were again residents of Rodney in 1900, it seems they must have moved
back to Jefferson County after April 1889, when Emile's position as
postmaster terminated. The Pascagoula Democrat-Star of August 31,
1900, announced that well-known Republican, Emile Engbarth, is in
Ocean Springs and rumored to be the new postmaster. This did not come
to fruition as Thomas I. Keys (1861-1931), a local Black merchant,
remained at this post until March 1911. In September 1900, Emile
Engbarth applied for the position of postmaster at Pascagoula. It
appears that he was unsuccessful in attaining this opportunity, as the
local journal reported that “Mr. E. Engbarth… returned to Rodney,
Miss”. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 5, 1900, p. 3)
Paragon Saloon
Shortly after his arrival in Ocean Springs, George E. Arndt leased a
building and opened a saloon, which became renown in our local
history. He called it the Paragon Saloon. Before Arndt relocated the
Paragon Saloon business to the southwest corner of Washington Avenue
and Robinson in April 1896, it existed at another location in town,
probably also on Washington Avenue and Robinson Street. Several
reports in the Pascagoula journal related Arndt’s move as follows:
“The Paragon Saloon, Geo. E. Arndt, proprietor will be removed to
the Franco building sometime next month”. (The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, February 21, 1896, p. 3)
“Geo. E. Arndt, proprietor of the Paragon Saloon, will move to the
Franco Building on April 1st. He has already fitted up his new stand
in a beautiful manner, in fact it is embellished to an extent that
will compare in elegance with any on the coast”.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, March 27, 1896, p. 3)
Charles L. Dyer, a travel writer for the L&N Railroad, had this to
say about businessman Arndt in 1895:
“There is only one saloon at Ocean Springs. This is no doubt owing
to the present high license, for previous to 1892, there were three
saloons. Two of these dropped out of business when the high license
went into effect, leaving a clear field for Mr. George E. Arndt, who
has his place of business on Washington Avenue, a stone’s throw from
the railroad station of the L&N……..In 1881 he came to Ocean Springs
and finding there a building just suited to his needs, he leased the
place and opened up a saloon for the dispensing of liquid
refreshments. It is safe to say that the Paragon Saloon is one of the
best conducted enterprises of its kind on the entire gulf coast. Only
the finest brands of liquors, cordials, etc. Consequently he enjoys
the patronage of the better class. Since locating at this place Mr.
Arndt has invested quite heavily in real estate."
Franco’s Saloon
After April 1886, Arndt’s Paragon Saloon was situated on the southwest
corner of Robinson and Washington Avenue. Circa 1880, Thomas A.
Cochran (1852-1883), a son-in-law of Antonio Franco (1834-1891),
erected a Greek Revival cottage at present day 900 Robinson Avenue,
often referred to as the Cochran-Cassanova House, and now in the
possession of Pamela Aimee-Baudoin and Douglas Letoha. A two-story,
frame structure was also erected on the Cochran tract. It was
situated on the southwest corner of Washington and Robinson and was
known as Franco’s Saloon. In a forced heir ship case, heard by the
JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court, in February 1896, a portion of the Cochran
tract was described as “being the same lot or parcel of land, which
stands the two-story frame building formerly occupied by A. Franco,
now deceased, as a barroom or saloon”. (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause
No. 675, “Mrs. Charlotte F. Cochran v. Thomas A. Cochran et al”)
In March 1897, Commissioner Frank H. Lewis sold the Cochran saloon lot
(120 by 80 feet) to George E. Arndt for $1250. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.
18, pp. 140-141)
As early as March 1883, G.E. Arndt had operated a barroom opposite the
L&N Depot on Robertson Street, in the White House, with his
brother-in-law, Emile Engbarth (1855-ca 1905). At the time of Arndt’s
proprietorship, the White House was owned by Antonio Marie
(1829-1885), Antonio Franco’s brother-in-law. (JXCO, Ms. Board of
Supervisors Minute Bk. 1, p. 358)
For many years, Clement Bellande (1850-1918), the son of Joseph
H. Bellande (1813-1907) and Roseline LaFauce (1821-1893), the
granddaughter of the Catherine Bourgeois LaFontaine, the Widow
LaFontaine, worked for Mr. Arndt as bartender of the Paragon Saloon,
which also had a billiard room, and drugstore. In March 1896, G.E.
Arndt took Bellande and spouse to New Orleans in order for him to be
attended to by a physician.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, March 27,
1896, p. 3)
Clem Bellande expired at New Orleans, in May 1918. His obituary
stated: “Although he handled great quantities of liquor he did not
touch it himself and like Mr. Arndt, his employer, followed out
closely the intent and purpose of the liquor laws in the conduct of
the Paragon bar. Honest and upright in dealing with his fellowmen his
death is regretted by all.(The Jackson County Times, May 25, 1918, p.
5)
Sign damaged
In December 1904, Mr. Arndt advertised in
The Progress:
$25.00 REWARD! Will be paid by the undersigned for sufficient
evidence to convict the malicious party who shot in the Paragon Saloon
Sign. GEO. E.
ARNDT.(December 31, 1904, p. 4)
Farmers and Merchants State Bank
In January 1913, George E. Arndt sold his Washington Avenue lot to the
fledging Farmers and Merchants State Bank. As a bank edifice was to
be erected, his Paragon Saloon building was moved to the west where it
operated as such until the commencement of the Prohibition era in
1919. Later, the old Paragon Saloon structure served as a boarding
house managed by Ona May Seeman Westbrook (1886-1967), the wife of
John Westbrook (1886- 1922). She rented rooms and prepared meals
for itinerant railroad workers. The American Legion Hall occupied the
structure prior to 1925. The building was demolished by Charles Braun
during the Depression years, and the vacant lot was used by mechanic,
Claude Engbarth (1894-1967), to park cars on. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.
39, p. 65 and G.E. Arndt Jr., November 1993)
The formal organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank State Bank
occurred in February 1913. It was the third bank to be established in
the town of Ocean Springs.
The original bank officers were: president, Charles E. Pabst
(1851-1920), vice-President, George E. Arndt (1857-1945), and cashier,
Edwin R. Glascock (1857). The board of
directors was composed of Charles E. Pabst, E.S. Davis (1859-1925),
George E. Arndt, Ira W. Simmons (1867-1919), William E. Wilson
(1873-1926), George E. McEwen (1865-1961), and Edwin R. Glasscock.
Circa 1915, Antonio J. Catchot (1864-1954) joined the board.
Arndt Cottage
Prior to erecting his family home at present day 523 Jackson Avenue
in 1895, George E. Arndt in October 1894, purchased the property at
present day 822 Porter for $600, from the Alfred E. Lewis (1862-1933),
the Artesian Prince. The tract was described as:
A portion of Lot 8 in Block 31 beginning at the NW corner of
said Lot No. 8 running east along Porter Avenue 81 feet; then south 50
feet; then west 81 feet; then north 50
feet to the place of beginning. Bounded on north by Porter, on west
by O'Keefe, on south by Margaret Eylewert, and on east by land of
herein grantor. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 16, p. 65)
After Mr. Arndt moved to his new home on Jackson Avenue, the Arndt
Cottage on Porter was used exclusively as a rental property. Examples
of his early rentals were mentioned briefly in The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star as follows:
The Arndt Cottage on Porter Avenue is being prepared for Mr.
Robert J. McIlrah and Family of Harrisburg, Illinois who are expected
here on the 15th. (December 4, 1896, p. 3)
Professor Q.D. Sauls is occupying the Arndt Cottage. (December 3, 1897,
p. 3)
From 1953 to 1958, the Arndt Cottage was utilized by Dr. James H.
Waddell (b. 1925), as his medical office. Marie Arndt Alexander
(1905-1994), a daughter of G.E. Arndt, conveyed this structure and lot
to Ray L. Bellande (b. 1943), in May 1990. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.
958, p. 744)
Arndt family domicile
In 1895, when bachelor, George E. Arndt, decided to build for himself
a cottage in Ocean Springs, there were other homes of note also being
erected. Colonel Thomas A.E. Holcomb (1831-1897) of Chicago was
constructing “Hollywood”, a large residence on the northeast corner of
Porter and Rayburn, a site now occupied by the Dale Cottages. Major
H.H. Richardson, also of Chicago was building at present day 605
Porter, the familiarly known VanCleave Cottage, now owned by Marvin A.
Ornstein. Dr. E.J. Vaughan (1808-1897) was putting up a splendid home
at present day 1112 Bowen, the former domicile of Estelle Cook Hire
(1915-1998), a schoolteacher, and now the residence of the L.D. Platt
family.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 31, 1896, p. 3)
The George E. Arndt (1857-1945) familial home was erected in the fall
and winter of 1895 at present day 523 Jackson Avenue. Mr. Arndt
acquired the property for his new home, described as Lot 9 of Block 31
of the Culmseig Map of 1854, in November 1890, from Marie-Artemise
Rodriguez Marie (1840-1912), the widow of Antonio Marie (1832-1885), a
Spanish, émigré mariner and pioneer settler of Bayou Puerto. The
consideration for the 100-foot by 200- foot lot was $300. Marie-Artemise
Rodriguez was the daughter of Spanish immigrant, Juan Antonio
Rodriguez (1812-1867), and Marie-Martha Ryan. Senor Rodriguez had
received a patent on Lot 5 of Section 13, T7S-R9W from the U.S.
Government in 1848. Lot 5 comprises about 140 acres, bounded on the
west and south by Bayou Puerto and Old Fort Bayou respectively and
situated on the western perimeter of the modern Gulf Hill’s
development.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 1, 1895, p. 3 and
December 12, 1895, p. 3 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 11, p. 220)
Antonio Marie had acquired Lot 9-Block 31 for $100 in October 1880,
from E.P. and Bridget Bredt who were residents of Galveston, Texas at
the time of the sale. Mrs. Marie bought the property in February
1890, from her children, Esperanza Marie LaPorte (1862-1937) and
Gertrude Marie Anglada Lauro (1860-1891). (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 6,
pp. 21-22 and Bk.11, pp. 10-12)
Other real estate
Before the turn of the 20th Century, George E. Arndt had acquired
real estate with the town of Ocean Springs and in the countryside to
the north and east. Some of these land holdings in T7S-R8W were:
Section 8-N/2 of the NE/4; Section 19-House and part of lot south side
L&N RR on the Ames Tract; Section 20-Lots 13,14,15,and 16 and 2 ½
acres.
20th Century rentals
Early in the 20th Century, Mr. Arndt continued to enlarge his rental
properties inventory in Ocean springs. Some of his well-known, extant
local homes were as follows:
E.E. Clements-E.S. Jacobs House
In April 1907, G.E. Arndt acquired for $1800, the home of Ernest E.
Clement (1861-1922) at present day at 604 Porter Avenue, formerly “The
Porter House Restaurant”, of E. Stephen Jacobs. It is situated on Lot
6 of the Jerome Ryan Tract. Mr. Clement listed his occupation as a
"traveling man" when he registered to vote at Ocean Springs on
November 15, 1894. He was born at Michigan in February 1861. His
parents were natives of New York. In 1892, shortly before his arrival
at Ocean Springs, E.E. Clement married Elizabeth (Betsy) Clement
(1876-1900+), also a Michigan native. Their two children, Elizabeth (Lissie)
C. Heald (1893-1923+) and Belle C. McPherson (1896-1923+), were born
here. Mr. Clement's mother, Melissa L. Clement (1833-1903),
resided with the family. Upon departing Ocean Springs, the
Clement family relocated to Asheville, North Carolina.
W.J. Engbarth-N.M. VanCourt House
The Engbarth-VanCourt House is located at present day 516 Martin
Avenue. William J. Engbarth (1882-1957), called Willie, was Mr.
Arndt’s first cousin. Arndt financed the home for the Engbarths.
(JXCO,
Ms. Land Deed Trust Bk. 2, pp. 272-273 and p. 281)
In April 1915, Willie Engbarth was legated the Clark-Reinike House at
present day Martin Avenue, when Ellen Chambers Clark (1843-1915), the
spouse of Newcomb Clark (1863-1913), a retired Union Army officer,
passed on. During the Civil War, Clark commanded the 102nd U.S.C.T.,
the only African-American unit from Michigan. (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court
Will Bk. 2, pp. 253-254)
In February 1922, Joseph R. Webber (1840-1925+), the father of
Marshal Arthur D. Webber (1879-1941), acquired the Willie Engbarth
home at present day 516 Martin Avenue from George E. Arndt for
$700. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 51, pp. 216-217)
Nellie McElroy VanCourt bought this property from her mother in
October 1942, after it had been owned by the Edward C. Brou family
since October 1925. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 81, pp. 196-197)
M.W. Austin-Walter H. Winklejohn House
This fine edifice is situated at 418 Martin Avenue and has the
distinction of being the last property in Ocean Springs, owned by the
family of Dr. William Glover Austin (1814-1894), the founder of the
Ocean Springs Hotel in 1853. G.E. Arndt acquired this lot and home
from his business partner, B.F. Parkinson (1859-1930), in September
1924, for $1000. In August 1959, he conveyed this property to Walter
H. Winklejohn and Marjorie Yerger Winklejohn (1921-2002). (JXCO, Ms.
Land Deed Bk. 54, pp. 229-230 and Bk. 190, pp. 568-570).
Family
In November 1899, George E. Arndt married Adele Mary Robarts
(1875-1945) of Columbus, Georgia. Their nuptials were held at
Columbus. In 1898, Arndt had met Miss Robarts, the sister-in-law of
J.B. Lemon (1862-1919), the son of Englishman, Dr. James J. Lemon
(1825-1915), of Biloxi. Miss Robarts had come from Georgia for a
visit with her sister and Arndt had first seen her at the L&N Depot at
Biloxi. It was love at first sight. Correspondence was followed by
several visits to Miss Robarts in the Peach State, which led to their
engagement and nuptial vows.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 30,
1899, p. 8 and The History of JXCO, Ms., 1989, p. 111)
The Lemons were in the pharmacy business at Biloxi. Their drugstore
was situated on Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue. In March 1918,
druggist J.B. Lemon opened a pharmacy in the south half of the Farmers
and Merchants Bank Building on Washington and Robinson where Mr.
Arndt’s Paragon Saloon had once stood. After Lemon's demise, a New
Orleanian, Matt Huber, opened a drugstore in the bank building and
remained there until about 1930 when he moved to the southeast corner
of Washington and Bowen.
Three children were born to George E. Arndt and Adele Mary Robarts
Arndt: Elise Arndt (1901-1903); Marie A. Alexander (1905-1994); and
George Edward Arndt Jr. (1909-1994). They were reared on Jackson
Avenue.
Episcopal Church
George E. Arndt was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he
served as a vestryman. In 1906, Mr. Arndt donated the bell for the
Rayburn Avenue sanctuary. Before its new sound pealed into the
community, a bolt from the blue issued from a July thunderstorm,
striking the church steeple. The resulting force rocked the
sanctuary, broke windows, and damaged electrical light fixtures. The
church sustained damages amounting to $400.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, July 13, 1906, p. 3 )
Politics
When the town of Ocean Springs commenced incorporation in the early
1890s, George E. Arndt was a player. He was appointed to the town’s
first election commission and had the local newspaper print 200
ballots for the inaugural elections, which were held December 13,
1893. Mr. Arndt entered the local political scene as was elected
Alderman-at-Large in 1895, a position he held continuously for eight
years. There was a hiatus of twenty-eight years when he was elected
as Alderman of Ward 4 in 1931. Arndt served but one term retiring
from local politics. (Ellison, 1991, p. 6 and Schmidt, 1972, p. 133 and
p. 135)
Insurance
By 1914, George E. Arndt and Benjamin Franklin Parkinson (1859-1930),
called Frank, were partnered in the insurance business at Ocean
Springs. Their company was called Arndt & Parkinson-Fire and Tornado
Insurance.(The Ocean Springs News, February 7, 1914)
B.F. Parkinson was the son of Franklin B. Parkinson (1823-1896) and
Eugenia Bodley Parkinson (1831-1898) and a native of New Orleans.
Parkinson’s father was born in Ohio. B.F. Parkinson nor his siblings
married. He was also in the insurance business at New Orleans. Mr.
Parkinson after many years with the Home Insurance Company founded the
Fire Insurance Patrol circa 1920. He was president and secretary of
this organization at the time of his demise on April 24, 1930. In New
Orleans, Parkinson was once active in the St. John Rowing Club. At
Ocean Springs, he raised prize-winning chickens as a hobby on his Bay
front estate, now the home of Thomas Crozat at
Lovrs Lane. Parkinson was buried
in the family tomb at the Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery on Washington
Avenue in New Orleans. (The Times Picayune, April 25, 1930, p. 2)
After Parkinson’s demise, George E. Arndt continued in the insurance
business as:
GEORGE E. ARNDT INSURANCE AGENCY
Representing The Following Companies
Royal Insurance Co. Bankers & Shippers
Ins. Co. of North America Pennsylvania Fire Ins. Co.
Aetna Insurance Co. Maryland Casualty Co.
FIRE, TORNADO, THEFT, LIABILITY and PROPERTY DAMAGE
Reliable, Dependable, and Prompt Service
Will appreciate local patronage,
George E. Arndt, agent.
(The Jackson County Times, July 27, 1935)
1945
The year 1945 brought joy to the world as Word War II came to a
close, but Ocean Springs and the survivors of the Arndt family of
Jackson Avenue were deeply saddened by the deaths of Mr. and Mrs.
George E. Arndt. Mr. Arndt expired on February 24, 1945, while Adele
Mary Robarts Arndt passed on in late August 1945. Their corporal
remains are at rest in the family burial lot in Evergreen Cemetery on
Old Fort Bayou.(The Jackson County Times, March 3, 1945, p. 1 and
September 1, 1945, p. 1)
CHILDREN OF G.E. ARNDT
Elise Arndt
Elise Arndt (1901-1903) was born at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on
September 11, 1901. She expired here on June 20, 1903. She was
interred in the Arndt family plot at Evergreen Cemetery. No further
information.
Marie Arndt Alexander
Marie A. Alexander (1905-1994) was a native of Ocean Springs,
Mississippi arriving here August 15, 1905. She may have attended All
Saints Academy in Vicksburg. Circa 1923, Marie matriculated to
Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge after her high school
graduation. Post-graduation, Marie lectured in the Junior High School
English Department at the new Ocean Springs Public School on
Government Street in 1929 and 1930.
In June 1930, Marie married Harry David Alexander (1905-1984), the son
of William H. Alexander and Katherine Rosenblum, at New Orleans.
Harry was a construction engineer and also a graduate of LSU.(The
Daily Herald, July 23, 1930)
The Alexanders retired to Ocean Springs and acquired the family
residence on Jackson Avenue in April 1977, from Mrs. Alexander’s
brother, George E. Arndt Jr. She also bought the Arndt family rental
cottage at 822 Porter from George. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 608 , p.
374 and p. 375)
Harry Alexander expired on January 8, 1984. Marie lived another
decade passing on February 11, 1994. She died intestate and without
children. Her brother, George E. Arndt Jr., was her sole heir-at-law.
(JXCO,
Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 94-0483)
George E. Arndt Jr.
George Edward Arndt Jr. (1909-1994) was born at Ocean Springs,
Mississippi on June 26, 1909. He attended local schools but went to
Biloxi for his high school education, graduating with the Biloxi High
Class of 1927. Among those from Ocean Springs who were in this class
were: Morris McClure Baker (1907-1994), Lellen Davis Kennady
(1907-1993), Louis Lundy, Ursula McEwen (1909-1994), and Helen Newcomb
(1907-1967), who married Sherman L. Wright (1908-1982). Baker and
Lundy were outstanding athletes who led the 1927 Biloxi Indians to
State Championships in football, baseball, and track and field.
Others with Ocean Springs connections in Arndt’s class were: Alice Tee
Weir (1908-2001), who would marry Albert Austin (1876-1951) and
Absalom Jackson IV (1909-1976), the grandson of Dr. Absalom Jackson
II (1842-1925), who operated the Ocean Springs Hotel on Jackson Avenue
from 1894-1898.
After completing his studies in Biloxi, young George E. Arndt Jr.
matriculated to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn
University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Graduating from
Auburn during the Depression, G.E. Arndt Jr. was fortunate to find
employment with the W.P.A., as a project engineer. In December 1941,
he became associated with Ingalls Shipbuilding at Pascagoula, as head
of the Weight Department. The salient task of Mr. Arndt’s group was
to careful weigh the materials utilized in the construction of US
Naval vessels at the shipyard. (The Daily Herald, April 18, 1938, p.
6, The Jackson County Times, July 10, 1943, p. 1, and
The Sun Herald,
April 26, 1994, p. A-2)
Shadowlawn
Prior to his employment at Ingalls, George E. Arndt Jr. on April 16,
1938, married Dorothy “Dot” Dickey (1915-1975), the daughter of John
Leo Dickey (1880-1938) and Jennie Woodford Dickey (1879-1969), natives
of Niles, Michigan. Their nuptial vows took place at Shadowlawn, the
Dickey Estate, at present day 112-A Shearwater Drive, now the
residence and bed and breakfast inn of Bill and Nancy White Wilson,
the granddaughter of Mrs. Jennie W. Dickey. Reverend J.T. Thompson of
St. Paul’s Methodist Church officiated at the Arndt-Dickey
wedding.(The Daily Herald, April 18, 1938, p. 6 and JXCO, MRB 104, p.
424)
Mr. Dickey was educated at the University of Michigan as a Civil
Engineer. After marriage in 1902, the young couple moved to
Plaquemine, Louisiana, where he was employed with the U.S. Civil
Engineering Corps. In 1908, the Dickeys relocated to New Orleans
where he went into the construction business with Lester Alexander.
They specialized in river work engineering projects such as, building
jetties, locks, etc. Mr. Dickey was often called to Central America
for consultations. The Dickeys had four children, John Edwin Dickey
who died as an infant, and three daughters, Eleanor Joy Dickey
(1908-1916), Ruth Dickey White Scharr (1913-2000), and Dorothy Dickey
Arndt (1915-1975).
The Dickeys discovered Ocean Springs while searching for a place for
his business partner, Lester Alexander, to recover from a lengthy
malady. From 1922 until 1933, the Dickey family spent their holiday
and vacation time at Shadowlawn, the former estate of William Gray
Kendall (1812-1872), which they acquired in June 1922, from Magdalena
Grob (1845-1929), the widow of Christian Hanson (1845-1914). In the
fall of 1933, the Dickey family became permanent residents of the
Ocean Springs community. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 51, pp. 544-545 and
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi-1989, p. 190)
112 Shearwater Drive
George and Dot Arndt lived on the Dickey Estate on Shearwater Drive in
what was the old Kendall Schoolhouse, which they referred to as the
“octagon house” because o fits unusual geometric shape. After Mrs.
Dickey conveyed the east half of her estate to Dot in December 1954,
the Arndts had their novel home moved to the east onto their property
and refurbished it as their permanent residence. When George Arndt
had their present home built in the 1950s, the “octagon house” was
moved further east. It was inundated by Camille in August 1969, and
destroyed. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 145, pp. 142-145 and Ruth Dickey
Scharr-1998)
New career
After the death of his father in February 1945, George E. Arndt Jr.
left Ingalls and continued the family insurance and real estate
business that his father had built. He had become familiar with his
father’s enterprises after G.E. Arndt Sr. had become ill. G.E. Arndt
Jr. was thoroughly prepared to embark on his new career as his
business successes have shown.(The Jackson County Times, March 10,
1945, p. 1)
Arndt Building
In November 1952, G.E. Arndt Jr. erected a small tile building at
present day 913 Washington Avenue to house his Gulf Insurance Agency
and real estate business. This structure is now the local realty
office of Fair Winds Inc., the developers of Bayou Sauvolle
Subdivision. G. Dickey Arndt of Friendswood, Texas and the son of
George E. Arndt Jr., is the proprietor of both the building and Fair
Winds Inc. Margaret Hollingsworth Anderson is the office manager for
G. Dickey Arndt, as she was for his father.
New spouse
Some five years after the death of his spouse, G.E. Arndt Jr. in
October 1980, married Mary Griffin Furlow (1922-1994), the daughter of
Walter T. Griffin III and Nell E. Williams Griffin. She was a native
of Manhattan, Kansas and had attended Kansas State University. At
Ocean Springs, Mary was active in the DAR, Gulf Coast Symphony Guild,
and Ocean Springs Garden Club. She had been president of the General
Federation of Women’s Club-Mississippi Chapter and president of the
Ocean Springs Women’s Club and Ocean Springs Friends of the
Library. (JXCO, Ms. MRB 140, p. 176 and The Sun Herald, April 26, 1994,
p. A-2)
Cruel day in April 1994
In late April 1994, George and Mary Arndt were traveling to Natchez,
Mississippi and were killed on US Interstate 55, as the result of an automobile accident,
which occurred near Hammond, Louisiana. Their corporal remains were
cremated.(The Sun Herald, April 26, 1994, p. A-2 and The Ocean
Springs Record, April 28, 1994, p. 1)
CHILDREN OF G.E. ARNDT JR.
George Dickey Arndt
George Dickey Arndt (b. 1938), called Dickey, attended Ocean Springs
Public Schools graduating in 1957. He matriculated to Mississippi
State University obtaining a Bachelor and Master Degree in electrical
engineering.
In July 1964, Dickey Arndt married Sherod Marye “Sherrie” Raum (b.
1944), a native of Washington, D.C., in the First Presbyterian Church
of Ocean Springs, with the Reverend Merlin Usner in attendance. Her
parents were Major Ralph J. Raum (1921-2002) and Lois Marye Robertson
Raum (1926-1967). After their wedding ceremony, Dickey and Sherrie
Arndt commenced their lives together at Austin, Texas where Dickey was
a doctoral candidate in Electrical Engineering at the University of
Texas. They later settled in Friendswood, Texas and had a son, Scott
Dickey Arndt. (The Ocean Springs News, July 23, 1964, p. 4, JXCO, MRB
104, p. 424, and The Sun Herald, April 26, 1994, p. A-2)
The Raums, natives of Virginia, came to Ocean Springs in 1960, with
the USAF from Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1964, after his military career
ended, Major Raum elected to retire on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He
acquired the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building in 1965 from Glen
Lyle Swetman. Before his retirement, Lois Raum and Pam Smith of
Pascagoula opened a gift shop in Ocean Springs, which they called
Salmagundi. (Ralph J. Raum, January 5, 1994)
Nancy Ruth Arndt
Nancy Ruth Arndt 9-26-1939 to 5-14-1942.
No further information.
EMMA ARNDT MEYER
George E. Arndt Sr. also had a sister, Emma Arndt Meyer (1866-1938+),
who came to Ocean Springs from Pass Christian, Mississippi in the
1890s. It is known with certitude that Emma Meyer bought the
VanCleave Hotel in December 1891, from Robert A. VanCleave (1840-1908)
for $3300. The sale excepted the furniture, beds, bedding, dining
room furniture, and kitchen furniture. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 13, p.
157)
Mrs. Meyer renamed VanCleave’s hostel, the Meyer Hotel. It was
located on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson
across from the L&N Depot. Peter Meyer (1834-1899), her husband, died
at the hotel in November 1899, leaving her with four children to rear:
Victoria Meyer (b. 1889), Vivian Meyer (b. 1891), Llewellyn Meyer (b.
1894), and Ethel Meyer (b. 1897). (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
November 10, 1899, p. 3)
Dr. O.L. Bailey (1870-1938) bought Mrs. Meyer's hotel in November
1905, for $3000. It is believed that Mrs. Meyer moved to New
Orleans. She was residing in Los Angeles in 1938. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed
Bk. 30, p. 301)
REFERENCES:
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, "Ocean Springs", (Republished by
The Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian-1971).
(Originally published circa 1895).
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, “George Edward Arndt”,
(The Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula,
Mississippi-1989)
Chancery Court Cases
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 9208, “The Estate
of George E. Arndt”, March 1945.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 9337, “The Estate
of Adele M. Arndt”, August 1945.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 94-0483, “The
Estate of Marie Arndt Alexander”, 1994.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 94-1197, “The
Will of Mary Griffin Arndt”, 1994.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 94-1198, “The
Will of George E. Arndt Jr.”, 1994.
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local and Personal”, November 30, 1899.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs News”, July 23, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Arndt-Dickey”, April 18, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “George E. Arndt”, February 24, 1945.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Tribute To A Local Citizen”, December 16, 1949.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Arndt To Construct New Building Here”, November
6, 1952.
The Jackson County Times, "Clement Bellande Obit", May 20, 1918, p. 5,
c. 5.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, January 10, 1925.
The Jackson County Times, “George E. Arndt Insurance Agency”, July 27,
1935.
The Jackson County Times, “Arndt-Dickey”, April 1938.
The Jackson County Times, July 10, 1943, p. 1
The Jackson County Times, “George E. Arndt”, March 3, 1945.
The Jackson County Times, “George E. Arndt Jr. To Carry On Real Estate
Business”, March 10, 1945.
The Jackson County Times, “Mrs. Mary Arndt”, September 1, 1945.
The Ocean Springs News, “Miss Raum and George Arndt Recite Vows”, July
12, 1964.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Ocean Springs couple killed in
I-55 accident", April 28, 1994.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local and Personal”, November 19, 1889.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, November 1,
1895.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, December 6,
1895.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, January 31,
1896.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, November 10,
1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, July 13, 1906.
The Progress, “$25.00 Reward!”, December 31, 1904.
The Sun Herald, “George E. Arndt”, April 26, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Mary G. Arndt”, April 26, 1994.
|
By Ray
L. Bellande