The next few posts will deal with ancestors who achieved some notoriety. A few were worthy of mention in history books. Others are a bit on the infamous side. Most achieved local or regional acclaim of some marginal note.
Chronological order would be the best presentation, but alphabetical is sufficient. So sit back and read about these folks! Enjoy! [hopefully]
A:
William Arnold [1587-1675]: Arnold arrived in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635. He became one of the proprietors of Providence Plantation in 1638 and signed the colony's constitution in 1640.*
Benedict Arnold [1615-1678]: Son of William. Followed Roger Williams as president of Providence in 1657. He was appointed governor in 1663 and served in that capacity until his death in 1678, except for six years.
Major General Benedict Arnold [1740/1-1801]: Great-great-grandson of Gov. Arnold. He served with distinction as an officer in the Continental Army at Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, the failed invasion of Canada and Saratoga. At Saratoga, Arnold disobeyed orders of Gen. Horatio Gates and rallied Continental troops to defeated Burgoyne's British forces. Arnold was seriously wounded in that action. Gates received the credit for the victory. Arnold was made military governor of Philadelphia. He fell into disfavor with prominent Pennsylvanians and married the daughter of a Tory. Gen. Arnold was court martialed and received a reprimand from Gen. Washington. Although offered a field command under Washington, Arnold requested command of West Point. He met with British Major John Andre to turn the important military base over to the enemy. The plan was discovered and Arnold fled to the Brits. Benedict Arnold went from being one of Washington's favorite and most heroic generals to America's most well-known traitor. He served out the war as a British officer and died in London.
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