Lemuel Hastings Arnold

Lemuel Hastings Arnold (January 29, 1792June 27, 1852) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Rhode Island. A Whig, he served as the 12th Governor of the State of Rhode Island and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Early life Arnold was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the son of Congress of the Confederation delegate Jonathan Arnold and Cynthia (Hastings) Arnold. His father died soon after his birth, and Arnold's mother moved the family to Rhode Island. He attended the local schools and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1811. Arnold then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1814. He began the practice of law in Providence, Rhode Island, and practiced law there for seven years before becoming involved in manufacturing. Career He began his political career as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, serving in the State House from 1826-1831. In 1831, he was elected Governor of the State of Rhode Island, and served as governor from 1831-1833. Arnold also served as a member of the Rhode Island Executive Council during the Dorr Rebellion from 1842 to 1843.