Arnold, Aaron C. b. c. 1810, poss. Wethersfield, Connecticut. m. to Eliza Ann (Smith) Arnold; b. c. 1810, poss. Wethersfield, Connecticut; m. her November 17, 1830; Aaron C. Arnold was of Middletown, Connecticut; Weth. Rec., Genealogies and Biographies of Ancient Wethersfield; Kathryn C. Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1992.
Arnold, Abraham. b. c. 1770, poss. Pittstown, Rensselaer County, New York; mo. poss. Sarah (Francisco) Arnold; f. poss. Elisha Arnold. m. to Lorena (Cipperly) Arnold; m. her March, 1790; Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County, New York
Children of Abraham Arnold and Lorena (Cipperly) Arnold.
Aaron Arnold. b. January 20, 1805.
Alexander Arnold. b. June 15, 1806.
Abraham Arnold. b. August 17, 1809.Abraham Arnold; m. to Lorena (Cipperly) Arnold, m. her March, 1790, Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County, New York; M-IGI New York; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 05/12/1994.
This could very well be the Abraham Arnold mentioned in the census in the above information, especially since there are three boys, he was of Montgomery County. They probably had more children that are not mentioned in the micrifiche information in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center. I do not recall finding an Abraham Arnold in the Montgomery County Wills, however. I may have to look again.
Remember, Abraham Arnold would have been 30 years old in 1800, and he is not enumerated in the census.
Aaron Arnold, b. January 20, 1805; of Montgomery County, New York; M-IGI New York; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 05/12/1994.
They didn't start having children for 15 years? Are there more children? James Arnold could have been b. somewhere in that time frame.
Alexander Arnold; b. June 15, 1806; Montgomery County, New York; M-IGI New York; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 05/12/1994.
Abraham Arnold; b. August 17, 1809; of Montgomery County, New York; M-IGI New York; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 05/12/1994.
Arnold, Abraham. b. c. 1771, poss. Pittstown, Rensselaer County, New York. m. to Regina (?) Arnold.
Children of Abraham Arnold and Regina (?) Arnold.
Peter Arnold. b. December 26, 1791.Peter Arnold; b. December 26, 1791; Sponsors: Peter Wiederwax and wife, Catharina (?) Wiederwax; Baptism Record of Gilead Lutheran Church, Brunswick, New York; 1777-1886; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1992.
Arnold, Albert. b. c. 1787; m. to Elizabeth (?) Arnold; of Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York; M-IGI New York; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 05/12/1994.
I am seeking information on Albert Arnold; b. c. 1787, New York; m. to Elizabeth (?) Arnold; m. her bef. 1822. They had dau. Hannah Arnold; b. October, 1822, New York; d. November 10, 1907, Michigan; m. to Noah Northrip and moved to Michigan. They also had a son, James Arnold, and a son, Jacob Arnold, and moved to Michigan bef. 1850. Prodigy; Sherrye Woodworth; ID # PSMT66A; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 06/14/1993.
Arnold, Alexander. b. January 27, 1755, poss. New York; d. March 22, 1844, poss. Avoca, Steuben County, New York; bur. Avoca Highland, Avoca, Steuben County, New York. m. to Deidamia (Lyman) (Clark) (Whitlock) Arnold; m. her March 2, 1806, poss. New York.
Children of Alexander Arnold and Deidamia (Lyman) (Clark) (Whitlock) Arnold.
Alexander Arnold. b. January 20, 1808.Looking for descendants of Alexander Arnold, b. January 27, 1755; m. to Deidamia (Lyman) (Clark) (Whitlock) Arnold; m. her March 2, 1806. Alexander Arnold d. March 22, 1844; bur. Avoca Highland, Avoca, Steuben County, New York. They had one son, Alexander Arnold, Jr.; b. January 20, 1808, m. to Rachel (Henderson) Arnold. Alexander Arnold, Jr. d. 1877, Steuben County, New York. I am a descendant of Deidamia (Lyman) (Clark) (Whitlock) Arnold's first m. to James Clark and am anxious to work on their ancestors. Prodigy; Linda Stucker; ID # WBXT64A; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 06/08/1993.
Arnold, Anson. b. March 8, 1789; poss. Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; d. April 19/20, 1855, age 67, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York. mo. Elizabeth (?) Arnold. f. George Arnold. m. to Sally (Gardner) Arnold; b. c. 1795, poss. Troy, New York; d. May 9/10, 1859, age 64, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; m. her poss. September 24, 1812, ceremony conducted by Rev. Coe; poss. Troy, Rensselaer County, New York.
Anson Arnold; Guardian Papers filed for Anson Arnold; February 26, 1808; Hadwin, age 21, September 14, 1807; mo. Elizabeth (?) Arnold; f. George Arnold; Anson 18 years old March 8, 1807; f. from Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Oliver Arnold also signed; Sarah H. Arnold, dau. George Arnold; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
George Arnold; RENSS; 131; 02201-13; NYS Census 1810 Index; Albany Public Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/28/1995.
Grantor Index, Deed; July 16, 1812; George Arnold to Oliver Arnold; bk 6, pg 122; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
Grantor Index, Deed; July 16, 1812; George Arnold to Hadwin Arnold et al; bk 6, pg 122; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
Grantor Index, Deed; Hadwin Arnold, Oliver Arnold, and Anson Arnold, prob. bros. in 1812; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
Grantor Index, Deed; George Arnold, Physician, City of Troy; July 16, 1812; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
Anson Arnold; m. to Sally (Gardner) Arnold, both of Troy; m. her September 24,1812; Rev. Coe (9-9/29); 10,000 Vital Records of Eastern New York; 1777-1834; Fred Qu. Bowman, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1987; Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York; 1993.
1820Anson Arnold; Renss. Co.; NY; 210; Troy; 1820; 1820-1829 US Census; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Library, Loudonville, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York; 04/1992.
1821Anson Arnold m. to Sally (?) Arnold, poss. March, 1821, poss. Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Grantor Index; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
1831Anson Arnold; Troy; 1831; History of Rensselaer County; Troy Public Library, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 12/06/1995.
Anson Arnold; Troy-Bennington Turnpike; Troy City Bank; 1833; History of Rensselaer County; Troy Public Library, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 12/06/1995.
Anson Arnold; Ward 4 Alderman, 1833-1835; History of Rensselaer County; Troy Public Library, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 12/06/1995.
Anson Arnold; Merchant; home 36 King Street; Troy City Directories 1836-37; Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/28/1993.
1855Anson Arnold; b. c. 1788; d. April 19/20, 1855, age 67; Vital Records Printed - Troy, New York Daily Whig, 1855; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 04/13/1993.
Sally (Gardner) Arnold/Mrs. Anson Arnold; b. c. 1795; d. May 9/10, 1859, age 64; Vital Records Printed - Troy, New York Daily Whig, 1859; Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints Family History Center, Loudonville, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 04/13/1993.
MISCELLANEOUS
Anson Arnold; Will; File No. 748; Letters Guard; 3.63; Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, Rensselaer County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 01/15/1993.
Dickinson, Smith. b. 1834, Kinderhook, New York. d. 1922, bur. Hyde Park, New York RDC churchyard. m. to Rachel (Van Wagner) Dickinson; b. December 28, 1833, Hyde Park, New York; d. March 2, 1896, Hyde Park, New York; dau. John D. Van Wagner and Susan (Smith) Van Wagner, prob. of Hyde Park, New York. m. to Caroline (Van Wagner) Dickinson; b. March 11, 1854, Hyde Park, New York; d. July, 1923; dau. James G. Van Wagner and Anna A. (Beach) Van Wagner, prob. of Hyde Park, New York.
Children of Smith Dickinson and Caroline (Van Wagner) Dickinson.
Irving Dickinson. b. April 22, 1860.
Norman Dickinson. b. November 19, 1861.
Rupert J. Dickinson. b. October 3, 1863.
Grant Dickinson. b. December 5, 1865.
Ella Dickinson. b. November 8, 1867.
Van Wagner Dickinson. b. September 27, 1869.
Cora Dickinson. b. October 8, 1872.
Percy Rupert Dickinson. b. September 4, 1875.
Grace Dickinson. b. July 5, 1876.Irving Dickinson m. to Martha (Agor) Dickinson.
Rupert J. Dickinson m. to Myrtle (Devine) Dickinson.
Grant Dickinson m. to Augusta (Devine) Dickinson.
Ella (Dickinson) Sherow m. to Walter Sherow.
Van Wagner Dickinson m. to Edith (Brower) Dickinson.
Cora (Dickinson) Van Wagner m. to Stanley A. Van Wagner.
Percy Rupert Dickinson m. to Laura (Lasher) Dickinson.
Grace (Dickinson) Dickinson m. to Isaac Dickinson.
I have more detailed names and dates on these people if you're interested, and would be more than happy to share with you and if you can help me in return that would be okay, too. I don't usually research the entire board but will check "Dickinson" for the next week or so to look for your reply. Regards, Carl in Woodstock, New York. 02/21/1993.
Note from Kathryn Dickinson, Prodigy ID XRGF40B to Carl Van Wagenen. Carl, I just went through all the Dickinson memos on the public board and then figured out you had written a private message. Silly me (as my daughter says). I've printed out the information you left on the board and will carry it around with me. Someone also posted the address of the Dickinson Family Association Genealogist. She doesn't charge for her services as of yet, although wouldn't mind getting a donation for the association. It's funny I see the town Kinderhook in your message. My husband and I have been looking for someplace to move to in Kinderhook. We love it. Too expensive, though. We've also been to Woodstock and love that town, too.
If I find anything I'll write back and if you want to gab, see you again. Kathy. 02/25/1993.
CARL VAN WAGENEN. Prodigy ID # KMDT64A. Note from Carl Van Wagenen to Kathryn Dickinson, Prodigy ID # XRGF40B.
Arnold, Benedict, Governor. b. December 21, 1615, Bighere, Ilchester, Somersetshire, England; d. June 19, 1678; Newport, Rhode Island; bur. Old Arnold Burying Ground, Pelham Street, Newport, Rhode Island. mo. Christian (Peak) Arnold. f. William Arnold. m. to Damaris (Westcott) Arnold; b. c. 1622, England; d. 1678, Newport, Rhode Island; bur. Old Arnold Burying Ground, Newport, Rhode Island; dau. Stukeley Westcott of Providence, Rhode Island; m. her December 17, 1640, prob. Rhode Island.
Children of Benedict Arnold and Damaris (Westcott) Arnold.
Benedict Arnold. b. February 10, 1642.
Caleb Arnold. b. December 19, 1644.
Josiah Arnold. b. December 22, 1646.
Damaris Arnold. b. February 23, 1648.
William Arnold. b. October 21, 1651; d. October 23, 1651.
Penelope Arnold. b. February 10, 1653.
Oliver Arnold. b. July 25, 1655.
Godsgift Arnold. b. August 27, 1658.
Freelove Arnold. b. July 20, 1661.
1636Benedict Arnold and Damaris (Westcott) Arnold came in the same ship from England. Benedict Arnold was with his f., William Arnold when they went from Hingham, Massachusetts to Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island April 20, 1636. Benedict Arnold signed an agreement there August 20, 1636, at age 21.
1637
In 1637 Benedict Arnold was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. for ground granted him. Benedict Arnold's homelot was the second lot north of his f., William Arnold's, on what is now North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, and just above the present Star Street.
1640
Benedict Arnold signed with others the agreement for a form of Government on July 27, 1640.
1642
Benedict Arnold; b. February 10, 1642, prob. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1644Caleb Arnold; b. December 19, 1644, prob. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1645Governor Benedict Arnold learned the native tongue of the Indians very soon, and in 1645 was the interpreter for the colonies in dealing with them; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1646
Josiah Arnold; b. December 22, 1646, prob. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1648
Damaris Arnold; b. February 23, 1648, prob. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1651
William Arnold; b. October 21, 1651; d. October 23, 1651, prob. Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
Benedict Arnold moved to Newport, Rhode Island November 19, 1651 and lived there the rest of his life; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1653
Penelope Arnold; b. February 10, 1653, Newport, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
On May 17, 1653, Benedict Arnold was admitted a Freeman, prob. Newport, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1654
On August 31, 1654, Benedict Arnold was one of the Commissioners from Newport, Rhode Island on re-uniting the Town under the Patent, and elected Moderator; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1655
Oliver Arnold; b. July 25, 1655, Newport, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
Benedict Arnold was on the Roll of Freemen of the Colony 1655; Assistant from Newport 1655-61; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1657
On May 19, 1657, he succeeded Roger Williams as President of the Colony under the Patent of 1644 and held that office with the exception of 1660-1661 (when he was Assistant) until the arrival of the New Charter in 1663 from King Charles II, and he was named the first Governor in the New Charter, which office he continued to hold, with the exception of six years, until his death June 19, 1678. His wife, Damaris (Westcott) Arnold, survived him, and both lie bur. in the plot appointed in his will as "lieing between my dwelling house and my stone built wind mill". The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
Benedict Arnold's liberal views and thorough appreciation of the Rhode Island idea of intellectual freedom appear in the letters that, as President of the Colony, he wrote in reply to the arrogant demands of the United Colonies, when the urged the forcible expulsion of the Quakers. Like Roger Williams, he recognized the distinction between persecution and opposition, between legal force and moral suasion as applied to matters of opinion. The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
In politics and theology Benedict Arnold was alike the opponent of {?} Coddington and friend of John Clarke, and throughout his long and useful life he displayed talents of a brilliant order which were ever employed for the welfare of his fellow men. The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1658
Godsgift Arnold; b. August 27, 1658, Newport, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1661
Freelove Arnold; b. July 20, 1661, Newport, Rhode Island; The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
1678
Will of Benedict Arnold, dated December 24, 1677. Codicil February 10, 1678, proved 1678. Exr. wife Damaris (Westcott) Arnold, sons Benedict Arnold, Josiah Arnold and James Barker, Sr. The Arnold Memorial; E. S. Arnold; New York State Library, Albany, Albany County, New York; Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, R.D. #3, Box 361, 1790 NY 43, Averill Park, New York 12018; 1993.
"By the permission of God Almighty, I Benedict Arnold of Newport", etc.- "aged sixty and two years, finding myself subject to weakness and infirmities, the usual attendants on aged persons," etc.
Benedict Arnold desired that his body be bur.
"at ye northeast corner of a parcel of ground containing three rods square being of, and lying in, my land in or near the line or path from my dwelling house leading to my stone-built windmill in ye Town of Newport".
The mystery as to the origin of this old stone mill doubtless created the legend that it was constructed by the Norsemen in the tenth or twelfth century. The poet {?} Longfellow has given immortality to the lofty tower in the Skeleton in Armor. The centre of the three rods square was the tomb already erected over the grave of his grandchild Damaris Goulding - there bur. August 14, 1677. Benedict Arnold ordered that he and his wife, Damaris (Westcott) Arnold should be interred in this ground and that the lot should be forever reserved for his kindred.
To wife, for life, the house and 2 acres bought of Wm. Haviland, and the 90 acres bot. of Wm. Vaughan, and at wife's death to go to daughter Godsgift Arnold. To wife, for life, certain land with mansion house and stone built windmill, and a tract of 130 acres call Lemmington Farm, and at her death to go to dau. Freelove Arnold.
To wife, for life, all cattle, horsekind, sheep, and swine, and at her death the same to go to daughters Godsgift and Freelove Arnold. To wife, all servants of what sorts soever and all household stuff and utensils, for life, and a third of same to be at her disposal to give away, the other 2-3 being for daus. Godsgift and Freelove at her d.
To eldest s. Benedict Arnold, north half of neck of land, being southernmost part of Conanicut Island, by me named Beaver Neck, containing 1000 acres, surrounded by the sea, except by a narrow beach called Parting Beach. To Benedict also a third interest in Dutch Island.
To s. Josiah 4 acres in Newport, etc., and the other half of Beaver Neck, viz: 500 acres, and a third interest in Dutch Island. To youngest s. Oliver quarter of an acre in Newport, 300 acres on Conanicut Island called Cajaset land, bounded partly by land of the assignees of [1853] Wm. Weeden, deceased, a triangular piece of 60 acres on Conanicut, an interest in 260 acres on same island called the Township, and a third interest in Dutch Island, etc. The three sons named to have also equally, all cattle, horses and sheep found on said island of Conanicut, south of Caleb Carr's.
To s. Caleb, in addition to considerable sums already given as book accounts show amounting to 200 pounds, he gives 1-4 acre in Newport, and 160 acres on Conanicut, to be held by Caleb, till his eldest s. is of age, when the latter shall possess it.
To dau. Damaris Bliss, w. of John Bliss, 27 acres in Newport. To dau. Penelope Goulding, w. of Roger Goulding, 22 1-2 acres purchased of Wm. Dyer, late deceased. To two youngest dau., Godsgift and Freelove Arnold, each 50 pounds at 20 yrs. of age or m., they to be advised by their mo. in their m., and if either is refractory, both the amounts of 50 pounds to go to the obedient dau.
"What silver spoons, cups, bowls, beakers and porringers are now mine, I leave them to the use of my said w. during her natural life or until in her lifetime she shall please to give any of it to either of our s., dau., or grandch.".
To s. Benedict, Josiah, and Oliver, 1-7 interest in Pettaquamscott, in Narragansett country, with all cattle found there, excepting a tract 5 miles north and westward of Pettaquamscott Rock, may be set apart for accommodating one or two Townships, to be ordered and erected by General Assembly, wherein shall be accommodated not only 4 sons, but also Major John Cranston, Capt. Peleg Sanford, Capt. Roger Goulding, Mr. James Barker, Ensign John Bliss, Mr. John Coggeshall, Sr. with other deserving persons that may be proposed by the rest of the partners; and if a Town or two be not settled, yet the four sons and aforesaid persons are each to have 250 acres, and what remains to be disposed of by executors towards erecting and maintaining a free school in Newport, and towards relief of the poor people in said town, and to be ordered and disposed of to the ends promised, by Town Council of said Town and their successors forever.
The codicil changes his s. Benedict's 500 acres to south part and son Josiah's 500 acres to north part of Beaver Neck, and s. Oliver's part of land which contains house, etc., to made up to 500 acres to equal the others. (Signed) BENEDICT ARNOLD.
June 29, 1678. In a letter of this date from Samuel Hubbard of Newport, Rhode Island to Dr. Edward Stennett of London, England, he says: "Our Governor died 19th day of June 1678, buried 20th day, all this island was invited, many others was there, judged near a thousand people, brother Hiscos spoke there excellently led forth, I praise God".
1946
The following was taken from The Burying Place of Governor Arnold, An account of the establishment, destruction, and restoration of the Burying Place of Benedict Arnold, first Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Published in honor of a descendant of Governor Arnold, John Howard Benson, who supervised the restoration of the Arnold gravestones and presented the graveyard to the Preservation Society of Newport, Rhode Island. Private Printed MCMLX, Newport, Rhode Island.
PREFACE
In the spring of 1946 as I was walking down Pelham Street in Newport, Rhode Island, I saw a dozen people and a red flag in front of a dilapidated late nineteenth century cottage. It was an auction. The house was for sale. "How about the land behind the house?" I asked the auctioneer, "Is it included?". "Yes, the house and the land behind the house". "But the land behind the house, they tell me, is the burying place of Governor Benedict Arnold and his family. You can't auction off a burying ground. It isn't decent". (It isn't even legal in Rhode Island, as I found out later). However, I bid on the house and the land behind the house where the inhabitants with only squatters' rights had hung out their wash and dumped their coal ashes for fifty years. In this casual fashion I acquired Governor Benedict Arnold's graveyard.
Benedict Arnold, first Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, had in 1675, before his death, written a codicil to his last will and testament.
"I order that my kindred relations may as they die be buried at convenient distance about my grave".
For 157 years his order was carried out. But when I went behind the house to look at my property purchased sight unseen, there were no gravestones, no sign that Governor Benedict Arnold was there or had ever been near the place. There were lilac bushes in a far corner, a large flowering quince near the center of the lot, a little grass around the edges. The rest was desolation and tin cans.
After consulting John Howard Benson, whose knowledge of old Newport, Rhode Island was unrivalled, I decided to remove the crazy old cottage and start digging. It was fortunate for me that T. J. Brown of Newport, Rhode Island could provide skilled workmen, and his interest in the excavation made every new discovery an exciting experience.
One of the first stones we found was very small, still upright, still marking the grave of a child buried two centuries ago. The stone was under the foundation of the house which I had removed. This fixed the old level of the graveyard as at least six feet below the level of today. It also fixed the south boundary. In Governor Benedict Arnold's will the graveyard was said to be three rods square. Governor Benedict Arnold's granddau. Damaris Goulding was bur. in the center of the lot, according to Governor Benedict Arnold, who was present at the burial, so it was only necessary to find her tomb to determine exactly the place where each of the other stones had been originally set up. As least, so we thought. And there in the center was the tomb of Damaris Goulding, hidden, supporting a garbage pail and an ash can, both filled to overflowing. Only the top of the tomb was above ground and the inscription was almost illegible, worn smooth by the use of years.
Slowly through the summer the work went on. We discovered, underground, and put into position, sixty-four tombstones, all cut to mark the graves of Governor Benedict Arnold and his wife and their descendants and a few fortunate men and women who had married into the Arnold family.
It was obvious very soon that all the tall upright stones had been laid flat long ago; roots of great trees, shrubs, and old garden flowers were holding down the stones firmly and they were difficult to excavate. The table tombs also had been disturbed and the supports scattered about. We are not sure that any stone was replace in its original position, no exactly. But wife by husband we set them up with all the little children alongside as best we could. We found no coffins anywhere. Of course we did not dig beneath the stones but left the lower earth undisturbed.
The northern boundary line of the graveyard puzzled us. It seemed to encroach on the burying place of the Arnolds by about six feet. There should be more tombstones on the northern boundary line, I thought, close to the Mill Street Church now owned by the Knights of Columbus.
When all the sixty-four stones we had found were set up and washed and copied and admired - they were very fine examples of the stonecutters' art - we decided to dig on that northern boundary, very carefully of course. Eight feet down we struck hard rock; it proved to be a carved oblong tombstone, six feet by three feet, six inches thick. There was no inscription. It was apparently wrong side up. Could the men lift the stone? They could not. No crowbar would move it. And under it there seemed to be another stone of equal size and weight - no dirt between the two. The largest derrick in town was borrowed, the tripod loomed over the burial ground. Crowds came to wonder. "Gold, they found gold", shouted a small boy. "They hadn't ought to dig up the dead", muttered an old woman who pressed so close the excavation that she slipped in. "They are going to hang Benedict Arnold, they are pulling him up", screamed anoterh child, "he was a traitor, he was, I learned him at school. I spit on him". And he did spit on a very beautiful armorial tombstone, handy for the purpose, carved in honor of a seventeenth century gentleman named Arnold, of course. First name Benedict? Of course, it was a family name.
With great precautions, a policeman helping with the crowd, the huge stone was brought to the surface and turned over. There was the inscription clear and fine. It was the tombstone of Reverent Nathaniel Clap, "Educated at Harvard Colledge" in the seventeenth century, dying in Newport, Rhode Island at the age of seventy-eight. With considerable excitement the diggers commenced the difficult task of bringing to the surface the second stone; this was the tombstone of Reverend Jonathan Helyer, also dying in Newport, Rhode Island, also educated at "Harvard Colledge in Cambridge". Do Harvard graduates today refer to their education on their tombstones? Around the stones we found the two skulls and the old white bones of these Harvard men, scattered about. I am glad to say that the remains of these clergymen who served the First Congregational Church in Newport, Rhode Island and were buried in the churchyard and then thrown out, have been given refuge in the churchyard of the United Congregational Church, where they now lie under their own tombstones, at rest at last. There are now left in the Arnold graveyard only Arnolds and their wives and husbands, if any, all those Arnolds who survived the destruction of the graveyard in 1857, the destruction which necessitated the restoration I inadvertently undertook.
Destruction may have begun, according to tradition it did begin, when British soldiers hospitalized in the old First Congregational Church on Mill Street during the British occupation of Newport, Rhode Island crept out into the clean air and sunshine of the Arnold graveyard and used the tabletombs as cook stoves and day beds. Perhaps they did. Perhaps they knocked some of the tombs about. But the Arnolds evidently repaired the damages and began again to bury their dead in their own graveyard as soon as the war was over. And life went on much as it had before, except for the universal poverty, visible even in the graveyard. The new tombstones were, shall we say, more simple. I mean more inexpensive. The last known burial was in 1834.
Meanwhile an unexpected partition of Governor Benedict Arnold's homestead took place. At the close of the Revolution the veterans of the winning army were demanding the spoils of war. Many had been landless men. The Banister branch of the Arnolds had been loyal to the Crown. So the Banister house and the Banister land sloping up the hill to the graveyard were confiscated and given to the veterans. No veteran really wanted to move into the Banister house or to plant the Banister land. Of course they didn't. It was not their idea at all, to settle down on a bit of land in the shadow of the old church, the old graveyard, and the old aristocracy of Newport, Rhode Island. They wanted ready money to spend as they desired. So they sold off the Banister land to the land speculators of the day, and the pastures of the Banisters and the Arnolds still looked from the graveyard much as they had for the last hundred years.
Even the sale of the battered Mill Street Church building by the Congregational Society to the Unitarian Society in 1835 made no visible difference. The Congregational Society kept their right of way to the graveyard of the Church were their own ministers, Reverend Clap, Reverent Helyer, and Reverend Hopkins were buried, and the Arnold family kept their right of way west of the church to the Arnold graveyard, the old entrance from Mill Street. It may be explained here that the land on which the First Congregational Church had been built had been given to the Congregational Society by the Arnold family, and there may never have been in the early days any fence between the churchyard and the burying ground of the Arnolds. There had been no need for clearly defined property rights.
However, things began to change. In March, 1838, Captain {?} Littlefield of Block Island, Rhode Island bought some of the veterans' allotment and the town ran a new street, Pelham Street, through that part of the Arnold land which had been inherited by the Pelhams, in order to develop the property for tax purposes. Captain {?} Littlefield built the large house with pillars which is now the Red Cross House. It was not built for occupancy; Captain {?} Littlefield had tenants. He bought a little latter a lot of land just east of the Arnold graveyard. Would it not be pleasant and profitable to join the properties? Only the graveyard stood between.
In 1850 Reverend Jackson made an Historical Map of Newport, Rhode Island. He drew the tomb of Governor Benedict Arnold as still standing but sadly out of repair. The map hangs in the rooms of the Newport Historical Society. Reverend Jackson notes that the graveyard is sadly neglected and has to be reached through Captain {?} Littlefield's grounds. The right of way from Mill Street was closed. The Congregational Society had removed the tomb of Reverend Hopkins to the grounds of the United Congregational Church and the tomb of Reverend Clap and Reverend Helyer had vanished.
In 1853 Reverend Peterson published a history of Newport, Rhode Island. He suggested that the Arnold graveyard be restored. He complained because he had to enter the graveyard from the grounds of Captain {?} Littlefield.
In 1857 Captain {?} Littlefield at last decided to take over the Arnold graveyard for his own uses. He offered the Board of Aldermen four lots in the town cemetery, call Willow Cemetery, in exchange for the Arnold graveyard. That the Arnold graveyard still belonged to the Arnolds seemed to bother no one. He offered to transport all the stones and the coffins and the bones to the Willow Cemetery and to repair and recut the old stones and have them set up at his expense. The aldermen accepted his offer. But this was June and the tenants of Captain {?} Littlefield protested. They refused to have the cemetery next to their living quarters dug up in warm weather; so Captain {?} Littlefield waited till the fall. The tombstones were then dug up and laid out in rows for transportation. At least some of the coffins with some of the tombstones had been carted off, when the Newport, Rhode Island Mercury of October 24, 1857 printed the following editorial:
"We have heard a rumor in the street, but cannot believe there is any foundation for it, that there is a measure on foot for the removal of the remains of Governor Benedict Arnold to the Willow Cemetery, Newport, Rhode Island. Such a step would meet with general opposition and we are quite sure that if persisted in, the City would stop all proceedings. Governor Benedict Arnold selected the spot where his remains should be placed; they are in a quiet secluded spot, and their removal is uncalled for an entirely unjustifiable. Let the Dead rest".
As soon as the man in the street got his newspaper, indignation flared high. The paper followed up the editorial with a realistic account of the whole affair and letters by the public were written and printed. A handbills, now a collector's item, was circulated. I have reproduced it here. The feeling in certain circles must have been intense and sudden. Everybody saw that Captain {?} Littlefield was going to make money out of a sale of Arnold property and that the aldermen were in on the deal. Captain {?} Littlefield and the politicians were frightened. Going by, and they went by at once, the populace saw the tombstones piled up ready for removal - the crumbling tombstones, the coffins falling apart with age - it was gruesome - it was not nice at all. The law stepped in. Captain {?} Littlefield was obliged to return the stones and the coffins and the bones that he had already carted away; if he could find them. The transportation to the Willow Cemetery had been hasty, the care possible may be imagined. There were the rest of the tombstones laid out ready to go. The confusion was great. However, the location of the tombs of Governor Benedict Arnold and his wife were very well known. Though they had been the first to be transported, they were the first to be returned and set up in the northeast corner of the lot where Governor Benedict Arnold had directed they should be. It was not difficult to bring back the two tablestones, but of course the coffins had crumbled to bits and the bones were returned in poor state. They were laid in very small vaults, about two feet longs, shallow graves, on top of which the actual tombstones were laid with no attempt to rebuild the sides of the tombs at all. The very large old bones of Governor Benedict Arnold were crammed into a space not large enough for an infant and no trace of the original coffin was brought back from Willow Cemetery. The metal plates inset in the tombstones were removed and have not been traced. Great squares of sandstone now lie near the graves of Governor Benedict Arnold and his wife. They may have formed the walls of the tombs. They probably did. It was all very difficult to determine.
Many small children's stones when brought back from Willow Cemetery were thrown in deep where I found them jumbled together somewhat broken.
Of course Captain {?} Littlefield was very angry and did not attempt to do the thing decently. Some stones were never brought back. You can see the tombstone of Sion Arnold's mother even now in the Sion Arnold lot in Willow Cemetery, looking like a hasty addition. Dirt was shovelled over the Arnold graveyard, so that the whole transaction would be forgotten as soon as possible and Captain {?} Littlefield planted a nice garden with an occasional tombstone showing among the shrubbery.
In 1869 Governor {?} vanZandt bought the Littlefield property. He kept up the garden and did nothing to destroy what stones were still visible. Dr. {?} Turner, a local antiquarian, went to the graveyard looking for tombstones but found few. He reported that several inscriptions were illegible or defaced, which I found some years later in reasonable condition underground. The level of the graveyard was rising.
In 1895, Reverend Henry Wallace wanted to see the tomb of [1867] Reverend Clap and could not find it. He reported that the whole graveyard was in bad shape.
An auctioneer bought the old church building from the Unitarian Society and used the churchyard and the Arnold graveyard as open air display rooms and storage space for packing boxes. He also dumped his coal ashes there.
At the turn of the century a wrecking company erected on the southern border of the graveyard a cottage built of odds and ends saved from the wreckage of many old Newport, Rhode Island houses; fancy bits, mostly, nothing of architectural value. That was the cottage I tore down.
In the graveyard today you will see at its best the stonecutters' art of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in America. For that reason perhaps the restoration was worth while.
The tombstones of the Arnold family
now in the Arnold graveyard
shown in chronological sequence1677-1834
Benedict Arnold
First Governor of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Born in England December 21, 1615. Died in Newport June 19, 1678.
Governor Benedict Arnold's f. was William Arnold, b. 1587, Ilchester, England, d. 1675, Providence, Rhode Island. Governor Benedict Arnold's mo. was Christian (Peak) Arnold. Governor Benedict Arnold had two sisters and a brother, but none of them are buried in Newport, Rhode Island. All the Arnolds buried in the Arnold Burying Ground in Newport, Rhode Island are descendants or wives of descendants of Governor Benedict Arnold, who came to Newport, Rhode Island from Providence, Rhode Island with his wife and two sons in 1651.
Governor Benedict Arnold was a man of great wealth and much power. He built a large house with stone ends and a great wall facing the Harbour. His graveyard was laid out in his apple orchard behind his house halfway up the hill alongside the mill path (now Mill Street), which ran from what is now called Thames Street to the Arnold Grist Mill on the flat land which is now called Touro Park.
Not a year after Governor Benedict Arnold had established his family burying ground and buried his granddau. Damaris Goulding, he himself died and was buried as he had directed in his will...
Having bought Governor Benedict Arnold's graveyard at auction, I excavated the northeast corner and found a reburial of Governor Benedict Arnold's remains covered by his sandstone table tombstone from which the metal plate with the inscription had been removed. It is Governor Benedict Arnold who is buried there and the spot is marked beyond possibility of mistake.
Damaris (Westcott) Arnold
Born in England. Died in Newport, Rhode Island in 1679.
Married Benedict Arnold in Providence, Rhode Island, December 17, 1640.
She was dau. Stukeley Westcott of England and Providence, Rhode Island.
Damaris (Westcott) Arnold's tomb was built as directed in the will of Governor Benedict Arnold (and dismantled and partly repaired when and as her husband's was). It is of the same sandstone, both stones coming from a New England quarry. They are of great weight, possible 500 pounds apiece. Her stone also had a rectangular plaque inserted, also stolen.
The death of Damaris (Westcott) Arnold occurred only a year after the death of her husband and it is probable that both plates were ordered at the same time, probably from England. The incised rectangular hole on Damaris (Westcott) Arnold's stone is larger than that on her husband's because it had to bear her father's as well as her husband's name.
Governor Benedict Arnold and his w. and their grandch. Damaris Goulding occupied this burying ground alone for twelve years before there were any more deaths in the Arnold family.
1993
Daniel Martin Dickinson, Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson, and Halea Beth Dickinson visited Governor Benedict Arnold's burying ground in August, 1993. Kathryn Colleen (Hillis) Dickinson was quite surprised at the dimunitive appearance of the buying ground. The houses and buildings described in prior information were so close to the burying ground (surrounded by an iron fence) that there seemed to be very little room for anyone to walk between the stones set in the ground.
SOURCES
"Arnold Memorial..."
"Burial Ground..."
"Hazard Family..."