Does Benedict Arnold have any living descendants? This question often arises in discussions about the infamous American Revolutionary War traitor. Benedict Arnold, a military officer and politician, is famously known for his betrayal of the American cause and his collaboration with the British. Despite his notorious reputation, there remains a lingering curiosity about whether any of his descendants are still alive today.
Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741, in Norwich, Connecticut. He rose to prominence during the American Revolutionary War, serving as a general in the Continental Army. However, his ambitions and desire for recognition led him to conspire with the British, ultimately resulting in his infamous betrayal. In 1780, Arnold surrendered to the British and received a commission as a brigadier general in the British Army. He later fled to England, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Regarding his descendants, historical records indicate that Arnold had a total of four children with his first wife, Margaret Shipman Arnold. His second wife, Elizabeth Peyton, also had one child with him. The couple’s offspring included:
1. Sarah Arnold (1764-1843)
2. Margaret Arnold (1766-1836)
3. Benedict Arnold Jr. (1769-1780)
4. William Arnold (1771-1780)
5. Henry Arnold (1776-1777)
The majority of Arnold’s descendants lived relatively quiet lives, away from the public eye. Over the years, they have managed to maintain a sense of privacy and avoid the notoriety associated with their ancestor.
Sarah Arnold, the oldest of Arnold’s children, married John Smith, and they had a daughter named Sarah Smith. Their descendants have continued to live in the United States, although their lineage has been somewhat diluted over time. Similarly, Margaret Arnold’s descendants have also managed to remain private, with no widely-known figures emerging from her family tree.
The other children of Benedict Arnold, including Benedict Jr. and William, did not survive into adulthood. Henry Arnold also passed away at a young age. This means that any potential living descendants of Benedict Arnold would be quite distant in terms of genetic lineage.
In conclusion, while it is possible that some distant descendants of Benedict Arnold may still be alive today, it is challenging to trace their lineage due to the lack of widely-known figures and the general privacy maintained by the descendants. The question of whether Benedict Arnold has any living descendants remains an intriguing topic of speculation and historical inquiry.
