Arthur was the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Claussen who came from Schleswig Holstein, Germany in the 1880's. Mrs. Claussen, then Catherina Schlueter, met her future husband in Germany. They lived in neighboring villages. Upon coming to America the Schlueters and Mr. Claussen eventually located in Fremont, Nebraska. Catherina and August were married October 11, 1889 in Fremont. They moved to Carroll County in 1902 and farmed near Manning for a number of years. When Arthur enlisted in the Army, August & Catherina left the farm and moved to South Manning.

Children of August & Catherina: Lillian, Antonia, Arthur and Frances are now deceased. Florence and Iris reside in California (as of 1981).