Source:  COUNTIES OF CLAY AND OWEN COUNTIES, INDIANA:  HISTORICAL AND
BIOGRAPHICAL, p. 416.  


Submitted by Randi Richardson

Rev. James B. Arnett, pastor of the Bowling Green and Pleasant View churches
of the Missionary Baptist denomination, is the eldest son of John and Celia
(Smith) Arnett, natives of North Carolina and of Irish descent.  He was born
in Wythe County, Virginia, December 20, 1828, whence his parents came to
Indiana in 1831 and settled in Jackson Twp., Owen County, where he mainly
made his home until 1879 at which period he removed to Clay County and took
charge of New Union and Pleasant View churches in Owen County and of
Goodhope Church at Middlebury, which charges he held for three years.  In
1859 he was called to preach by the United Brethren Church and in 1875 he
entered the ministry of the Missionary Baptists.  

September 1, 1853, he married Sarah E. Huber who bore him several children:
Amanda, Eliza, John Henry, James William, Celia Margaret and two deceased.

August 15, 1862, Mr. Arnett enlisted in Co. E, 85th Indiana Volunteer
Infantry and served until discharged.  He served on regimental hospital duty
at Covington, Kentucky where, in handling the sick, he received an injury to
his spine.  

Mr. Arnett is truly a self-made man and has a pleasant home and about ten
acres in Middlebury.  He is a Republican of over 20 years duration and a
greatly respected citizen.