Information on the Arnold Family of Newport, RI
Origins of the Arnold Family
While there is no solid proof of this lineage, it has been recorded in various print sources, as well as held in Arnold family tradition, to be the Welsh descent from Ynir, King of Gwentland, to William Arnold, immigrant, and founder of the family in Rhode Island.

Ynir, King of Gwentland, md Nesta, daughter of Jestin ap Gurgan, King of Glamorgan.
Their son:

Meiric ap Ynir, King of Gwentland, md Eleanor, daughter of Ednyfed ap Jerworth.
Their son:

Ynir-Vychan ap Meiric, King of Gwentland, md Gladwice, daughter of Rhys-Goch ap Maenerch.
Their son:

Carador ap Ynir-Vychan, Lord of Gwent, md Nesta, daughter of Sir Rydereck le Gros, Knight.
Their son:

Dyfnwall ap Carador, Lord of Gwent, md Joyce, daughter of Hamlet ap Druce.
Their son:

Systyl ap Dyfnwall, Lord of Upper Gwent, md Annest, daughter of Sir Peter Rossell, Knight, Lord of Kentchurch.
Their son:

Arthur ap Systyl, md Jane.
Their son:

Meiric ap Arthur, md Annest, daughter of Cradock ap Einion.
Their son:

Gwillim ap Meiric, Esquire, md Jane, daughter of Ivor ap Syssylt.
Their son:

Arnholt ap Gwillim, Esquire, md Janet Fleming, daughter of Philip Fleming, Esquire.
Their son:

Arnholt ap Arnholt, Esquire, md Sybil, daughter of Madoc ap Einion.
Their son:

Roger Arnold, md Joan Gamage, daughter of Sir Thomas Gamage, Knight.
Their son:

Thomas Arnold, Esquire, md Agnes Warnstead, daughter of Sir Richard Warnstead, Knight.
Their son:

Richard Arnold, md Emmote Young, daughter of Pearce Young.
Their son:

Richard Arnold.
Father of:

Thomas Arnold, md Alice Gully, daughter of John Gully.
Their son:

WILLIAM ARNOLD, md Christian Peake, daughter of Thomas Peake.


Immigrant William Arnold
William Arnold arrived in Hingham, Massachusetts in 1635, along with fellow passenger, Roger Williams, both of whom were among the original proprietors of Providence Plantation in 1636. It has been stated that 120 acres of his original land grant are still held by a descendant. He was said to be the wealthiest man in the state. He became Commissioner and deputy, as well as Governor of the colony for ten years.

Benedict I Arnold
He was the first Governor of Rhode Island under the Royal Charter granted in 1643. Preserved for posterity is the old Arnold family journal, in which Benedict wrote "my father and his family Sett Sayle ffrom Dartmouth in Old England, the first of May, friday & Arrived in New England, June 24 Ano 1635." Other entries include "We came to Providence to Dwell the 20th of April, 1736. per me Bennedict Arnold", and "We came from Providence with our ffamily to Dwell at Newport in Rhode Island the 19th of November, Thursday in afternoon, & arrived ye same night. Ano. Domina 1651."


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