William Frederick Milton Arny began his storied career as a fund raiser for Bethany College, Virginia where he was engaged in evangelistic and missionary activities. Following this brief, but formative tenure, Arny left Virginia over a dispute with the college's president, notable preacher Alexander Campbell. He moved to Illinois where he developed an unwavering dedication to the abolitionist cause, and became entrenched in campaign efforts to improve infrastructure, education, and farming. In 1857, Arny moved to Kansas, seeking to play a greater role in the territory's struggle for freedom. It was here that he enrolled with the infant Republican Party, and delivered aid during Bleeding Kansas, said to have facilitated delivery of over 8 million pounds of provision between himself and Samuel Pomeroy, the agent responsible for Northern Kansas. Following Lincoln's election in 1861, Arny was appointed Indian Agent to the Utes and Jicarilla in New Mexico, a post he had sought, desiring to bring the "blessings" of civilization and Christianity to the frontier. Arny served on and off for 14 years, with his final appointment in 1873 as agent to the Navajo. This role was marred with criticism noted to be "the worst agent the Navajos ever had to deal with." Arny resigned in July, 1875, never to hold a post again.