Benedict Arnold (congressman)

Benedict Arnold (October 5, 1780 – March 3, 1849) was an American politician from New York, and a member of the House of Representatives.

Biography
Arnold was born in Schaghticoke, Albany County, New York (after 1791 Rensselaer 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. The name was also common in the Arnold family; the first Benedict Arnold immigrated from England with his father in 1635.

Arnold 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, Montgomery County, New York. They had twelve children.

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.