The Starkey Family

John Starkey was 11 years old when his family settled in Puslinch Township from the United Stated in 1833. In 1849, he purchased a 100 acre parcel of land from Robert Tom who had owned the property since 1839.

John Starkey married Margaret Murray and they had five children. In 1894, John Starkey's only son, James, took over the farm. James also bought an adjoining 100 acres, known then as the James Winyard Farm.

James Starkey was married in 1901 to Grace Paddock. The couple had three children: Richard Murray Starkey, James Jr. McPhatter and Margaret Alice.

James Sr. had an interest in breeding carriage horses, mainly for the American market. He exhibited his horses in Toronto, as well as at other shows. He was very successful and one of his horses took 52 prizes and 3 diplomas.

James Sr.'s death in 1911 left Grace and the three children, then aged 8, 7, and 5 to run the farm alone. Grace passed away in 1930, leaving the three children to look after the farm. The farm by this time was known as the Starkey Bros. Farm.

In 1939, Margaret married Burton Terry and left the farm, moving to Clarkson, Ontario.

Both Richard and James Jr. were well known for their love of steam engines. They had quite a collection and often the neighbours would come to watch the engines run.

James Jr. was married in 1958 to Grace Stewart. James and Grace moved into the village of Arkell and built a house of their own. James Jr. was reeve of the Puslinch Township Council in 1950. He was a member of the council for the years 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1956. He also served as a trustee of the Arkell School in 1962.