"1. John Arnold was an early settler of Windham, at the 'Ponds,' now Mansfield. He purchased lot No. 9 with the 1,000 acre right belonging to it, Feb. 9, 1693. At the time of purchase he was of Norwich, but had previously resided at Newark, N. J., and also at Killingworth. He was probably born in England. He was among the very earliest settlers of the Mansfield portion of the town, and his name is found in the original list of 22 inhabitants of Windham, May, 1693. At the second annual town meeting in Windham he was chosen one of the selectmen. He operated considerably in real estate during the early period of settlement, had previously been a teacher, and was evidently one of the most intelligent and influential among the early settlers of Mansfield. The dates of the deaths of himself and wife have not been ascertained."