James Arnold, son of Thomas and Mary (Brown) Arnold, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on September 9, 1781. His parents were members of the Society of Friends and he was raised in the Quaker faith. He came to New Bedford, Massachusetts as a youth to enter into the business of William Rotch, Jr. a merchant of the city whose family had established the whaling industry in New England
prior to the American Revolution. Arnold later became a partner and married Rotch's daughter Sarah on October 29, 1807. Sarah Arnold was very well respected in her time as a woman of impressive intellect, culture and who had a great compassion for the poor. In 1821 he erected a Federal style brick mansion in New Bedford (now the Wamsutta Club) and established extensive gardens. He was among a number of sucessful businessmen from the area who became interested in agriculture and horticulture and he was one of the founders of the New Bedford Horticultural Society in 1847. He opened his private gardens to the public, at the time an unusual and highly regarded act. The Arnolds entertained John Quincy Adams in 1835 and again in 1843. Arnold and his wife and daughter traveled in Europe for three years beginning in 1836. It was during this trip that hte painting "James Arnold and Family" was completed. James Arnold died in 1868 in New Bedford, outliving both his wife and daughter. Arnold's will specified that $100,000 of his fourtune should be used to advance agriculture and horticulture. One of the trustees, George Emerson suggested the sum to be paid to Harvard University to found an organization devoted to that purpose on the land in Jamaica Plain willed to the University by Benjamin Bussey. In 1872 the Arnold Arboretum was founded.
From the description of Papers of the Arnold Family 1781-1868 (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 229696055
