Biography From Wellington County Atlas, 1906.
(d.). This respected pioneer of Puslinch Township. was a native of Berkshire, Eng.
In Oct., 1830, with his first cousin, John Arkell, and F. W. Stone, he left England and spent the
winter in New York, coming with them to Puslinch in May, 1831. These three men picked out the tract
of land now known as Farnham Plains, and of this Thomas took 600 acres. He afterwards sold 300 acres,
but the remaining 300, being part of lots 7, 8, 9, 10, con. 9, he lived on until his death. He was reared
on a farm in Idstone, Berkshire, and, having a thorough knowledge of agriculture, he made a very successful farmer.
In live stock he was a prominent breeder of Cotswold sheep and Shorthorn cattle. He was a member
of the English Church; a Conservative in politics; a consistent and hard worker, devoting his time
zealously to his business affairs and never seeking to hold office of any kind.
He, however, was Magistrate for over thirty years, and always dealt justice in an unbiased manner.
He d. in 1875 at the age of 73 years. He m. Isabelle Hume. Issue: William and Mary, deceased; Robert and Adam d.
in infancy; Mrs. Henry Iles, Guelph; Peter, farmer at Teeswater, Bruce Co.; John and Thomas,
who are both farmers at Arkell; Mrs. Blair Falconbridge, now living in Hamilton; and Henry.
Henry Arkell has a continental reputation as a breeder and importer of Oxforddown sheep, being,
moreover, the first to introduce these sheep into America, and has always taken a strong interest
in agricultural matters, being President of the Puslinch Agricultural Society for two years, and a Director for seventeen
years. He also has been Director of the Guelph Central Exhibition and the Fat Stock Show, holding each position
for several years. His reputation as a sheep breeder has not being without recognition, for he was for ten years a
Director of the Am. Oxforddown Association, and was for some years Vice-President.His success as breeder and
exhibitor has not been confined to Ontario, as his flock, in 1893, at Chicago Exposition, won prizes
amounting to $500; and, in 1904, at St. Louis, won thirty four prizes, including three sweepstakes, with twenty-eight sheep.
Besides the sheep Mr. Arkell has always bred extensively Shorthorn cattle, but latterly, however,
he has added to these a small herd of Jerseys. Mr. Arkell owns and operates the old homestead, consisting of 300 acres,
and known as "Farnham Farm." In religion he is a Presbyterian, and in politics a Conservative.
He m. Jessie MacFarlane, in 1877, who d. in 1905. Issue: Thomas Reginald, who is attending O. A. C.,
and preparing himself to sustain the reputation built by his father as one of the most successful stock raisers on the continent.