Governor Benedict Arnold

Description

Born: Somerset, England. His Wife: Damaris(Westcott) Arnold (1621-1679).

Benedict came with his father to Rhode Island in 1637, he signed a "compact as one of thirteen to any agreements made by the masters of families." He learned native languages and became a negotiator with Indians by 1645. In 1653 he moved to Newport and was elected Assistant. In 1657 he was one of the purchasers of the island of Conanicut. In 1657, after Roger Williams retired as President of the Colony, Benedict was elected President. In 1660 he was elected Assistant again. In 1663 he was elected the first Governor of Rhode Island. He was re-elected in 1664, 1669, 1677 and 1678. He assisted in the union of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations into one colony.