Arthur Thompson, Erin Twp, Wellington Co, Ontario

>From the "Biographical sketches" Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, 
Ontario, compiled, drawn and published from personal examinations and surveys.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co, 1906, reprint 1972.

p. 65

THOMPSON, ARTHUR. b. Ire., 1813, and d. 1896, age 83.  He came to Canada in 1820, 
from Roscomon, Ire., with his brothers and sisters, leaving his father and mother 
at home, and came to Erin in 1832.  He learned the blacksmith's trade of David 
Farley, and started business for himself at Ballinafad, in Erin Tp., at the early 
age of 19, being the first blacksmith of the township of Erin. While coming over 
to Canada they were shipwrecked, losing all of their provisions, and were 
stranded on the banks of Newfoundland.  He carried on the trade of blacksmithing 
for some years, and set. on his farm, lot 2, con. 7, of Erin, in 1838.  He was a
quiet, unassuming man, a kind friend and good neighbor, and a man of strict
integrity, and a successful farmer.  When he set. on his farm it was partly 
cleared, and he succeeded in making a good home for himself and family.  He was 
a member of the English church, and a Liberal.  In 1833 he m. Catharine 
Patterson, who d. 1901, age 79.  Issue: Joseph H. , Alfred (d.), Hiram (d.
young), Mrs. Hugh White, Shelburne; Mrs. Matt Barr, set. Erin; Archie, Thomas
(d.), and John Comfort.

Joseph Henry, b. 1834, stayed with his father until 1864.  His first business
venture was to run a threshing machine, and rent a farm.  He was very successful 
in this for eight years, when he bought his present farm of 100 acres, the west 
half of lot 6, con. 4, Erin. In 1882 he bought 100 acres on the south, and 1899 
purchased 100 acres on the north, and presented it to his own son Arthur.  Mr. 
Thompson at present makes a specialty of purebred Durham cattle.  He is a 
prominent temperance man, and is an Elder in the Presbyterian church at Ospringe.  
In 1864 he m. Sarah, daug. of Archibald McLean, who set in Erin in 1832.  Issue: 
Arthur, John, Annie, Joseph Henry, Jane, Alexander, Willie, Angus, Comfort and 
Christina.

Archie, b. 1847, keeps a hotel at Ballinafad.  He m. Mary Johnson.  Issue: Maggie.

John Comfort, b. 1852, m. Mary, dau. of George Roszel, He d. on the old homestead
at the age of 33, leaving a widow and his son George, and Mrs. John McEachren, 
Erin, and Mrs. Alexander McLean, Acton.

Arthur Thompson, oldest son of Joseph Henry Thompson, owns 100 acres, lot 7, 
con. 4, of Erin.