CAPT. PHILIP ARNO, who obtained his title during a faithful service of four years in the army of his adopted country, is one of the most valued German citizens of Freeport, and conducts a first-class saloon at No. 54 Stephenson Street. His birth took place in a small town in the Province of Bavaria, Germany, July 30, 1837, and his parents were Conrad and Margaret (Wind) Arno. They emigrated to America when their son, Philip, was a lad eight years of age, and after landing in the city of New York proceeded to Rochester, where the father followed his trade as a cooper and where they resided six years.

Our subject received two years’ schooling in his native town, but after coming to this country his services were required in his father’s shop and his education practically ended at the age of eight years. He kept his eyes open, however, to what was going on around him, and picked up considerable knowledge through the books which came into his hands. He had good natural business capacities and made his way in life compare-atively easy, although the first few years were rich in the experiences of industry and economy. He emigrated westward from New York in 1851, first taking up his abode in Milwaukee, Wis., and subsequently worked at his trade in Milwaukee for three years. Being skillful and well informed he succeeded admirably, and after a brief time spent in Chicago, finally settled down in Freeport, in January of 1858.

Philip Arno, worked at coopering until the outbreak of the Rebellion necessitated a call for volunteer soldiers, and was among the first to respond. He served in the Union army three years and four months, being a member of Co. C, 46th Ill. Vol. Inf., which belonged to the 6th and 17th Army Corps. He was present at many of the important battles of the war, including the siege at Ft. Donelson, the battles at Shiloh, Corinth and Vicksburg, and for his bravery and efficiency was promoted from First Lieutenant to Captain, and was brevetted Major. He commanded his company in the siege at Vicksburg, the battle at Jackson, Miss., and met the enemy in various other engagements and skirmishes. At Vicksburg he was captured and held a prisoner three days, then paroled and sent North. Upon being exchanged he returned to his regiment, which was stationed at Natchez, and again buckled on his sword, continuing with his comrades until 1864, when a sunstroke disabled him for further duty, and he was mustered out December 21 of that year.

After being transformed from a soldier to a civilian, Capt. Arno returned to Freeport and engaged as “mine host” of the New York House, for the five years following, when he established his saloon, which occupies No. 54 Stephenson Street. He keeps the finest of beverages and admits none but orderly and well conducted customers. He has deported himself worthily as a citizen, and in 1868 was elected City Treasurer. Socially, he belongs to the I.O.O.F; Evergreen Lodge, A.F.& A.M.; Germania, and G.A.R., and politically, is an uncompromising Democrat.

During his parole in 1863, Capt. Arno returned to Freeport and was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Albright, a native of Pennsylvania, who became a resident of this county in her girlhood. They have three children, two daughters and one son, viz., Maggie A., Eddie C. and Emma L.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 289