Notes |
- History of Woonsocket, 1641 - 1876
Joseph Arnold was a man of sterling qualities, and held in high esteem by his fellow-townsmen. He was chosen, in company with John Sayles, to settle up accounts with Providence when Smithfield was incorporated; and the next year (1732) was elected Town Clerk. On the resignation of Daniel Jenckes,
who was Town Clerk from 1733 to December 27, 1742, Joseph was re-elected, and held the position until his death, in 1745. It is pleasant to learn that in those ancient times, when the value of a 'mear' in Rhode Island was 35 pounds and that of a 'nigger' but 70 pounds, Joseph Arnold was an ardent
and conscientious anti-slavery man; so much so, indeed, that on his visits to the Newport yearly meetings, he would not stop at the hotels or the houses of those who held slaves. Among his children whom I enumerate in the appendix was Dr. William Arnold, whose virtues and abilities are spoken
of to this day with the deepest respect."
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