The Biographical Dictionary of America/Arnold, Samuel Greene

ARNOLD, Samuel Greene, historian, was born in Providence, R. I., April 12, 1821. His graduation at Brown university in 1841 was followed by two years' service in a Providence counting house, after which he visited Europe, and on his return studied law at the Harvard law school, whence he was graduated an LL.B., in 1845. He then travelled extensively in the Orient, in Europe and in South America, settling down to the practice of his profession upon his return to Providence. In 1852 he was elected lieutenant-governor of Rhode Island as a Whig — the only candidate on that ticket elected. He was again elected to the same office in 1861 and 1862. He was a delegate to the peace convention of 1861, and served as an aide to Governor Sprague with the rank of colonel, commanding a battery of artillery in the early stages of the war. He was chosen U. S. senator to fill the unexpired term of J. F. Simmons, and served from December, 1862, until March, 1863. He afterwards devoted much of his time to historical research. His published works are: "The Spirit of Rhode Island History" (1853); "History of the State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations" (7 vols., 1859-'60); and a "History of Middleton, R. I." (1876); together with many orations, memorials and public addresses. He died Feb. 13, 1880.