Benedict Arnold (congressman)

Biography

Arnold was born in Amsterdam, Tryon County, New York (after 1784 Montgomery County, New York) the son of Elisha and Sarah Francisco Arnold. He was named in honor of the famous Benedict Arnold at a time during the American Revolutionary War when he was still seen as a hero of the United States, stemming from the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. His plans to betray the fort of West Point were uncovered on September 23 of that same year—less than two weeks before Arnold was born. The news probably took longer than this to make its way upstate, or his parents were of Loyalist sympathy. The latter seems unlikely, however, as they stayed in the area until their deaths in 1815 and seemed to have remained quite wealthy despite widespread emigration of loyalists to Canada.

Despite this unpromising start, Arnold prospered; he attended the local schools and became a successful merchant. He married Mary 'Polly' Bovee (sister of Matthias J. Bovee) on August 21, 1806 in Amsterdam, Montogmery County, New York. They had twelve children, Hiram, Jane, William, Maria, James, Charlotte, Lorenzo, Benedict, Hasley, Sarah, Marion, and Adam.

Career

Arnold owned large stretches of land, and was able to dedicate much time to philanthropy. As was common at the time for local magnates, he entered politics for a short period; in 1816 and 1817, he served as a member of the New York State Assembly.

In 1828, Arnold was elected to the Twenty-first United States Congress as an Anti-Jacksonian to represent the sixteenth district of New York. He served from March 4, 1829 to March 3, 1831, and did not seek reelection. He was president of the board of trustees of the village of Amsterdam in 1832 and did not engage in active business pursuits, but lived in retirement in Amsterdam, New York, until his death.

Death

Arnold died in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York, on March 3, 1849 (age 68 years, 149 days). He is interred at Green Hill Cemetery, Amsterdam, New York.