Peter McArthur

Born in Ekfrid Township, Ontario, in 1866, Peter Gilchrist McArthur grew up on a farm and was educated locally before attending the University of Toronto. He worked briefly in journalism in Toronto, then moved to New York in 1890, where he continued his magazine and newspaper career.

McArthur became known as a prolific Canadian writer whose essays, sketches, short fiction, and occasional poetry often returned to country life. Reference works describe him as especially admired for humorous, casual essays, and his firsthand knowledge of farming gave his work an easy authenticity that readers valued.

Later in life he returned to the family farm in Ontario, a setting closely tied to the writing for which he is most remembered. He died in 1924, and he has since been recognized as an important Canadian literary figure, including designation by Parks Canada as a national historic person.