Thomas Arndell facts for kids

Thomas Arndell (born March 4, 1753 – died May 2, 1821) was an important person in early Australian history. He was a surgeon, a judge (called a magistrate), and a successful farmer. He was born in England and came to Australia with the First Fleet when he was 35 years old. He worked hard to farm a lot of land and later became a magistrate. He helped people during a big flood and supported Governor Bligh during a difficult time called the Rum Rebellion. He was married to Elizabeth Burleigh and had several children.

Early Years

Thomas Arndell was born on March 4, 1753, in Kington, Herefordshire, England. His parents were Elizabeth and Anthony Arndell. He was the youngest of 11 children in his family. He was baptized at the Kington Parish Church.

His Career

Arriving in Australia

In 1788, when Thomas Arndell was 35, he sailed to Australia with the First Fleet. He was one of seven surgeons on the ship Friendship. These surgeons, led by John White, were the medical team. They helped care for the convicts traveling with the First Fleet.

Soon after arriving at Port Jackson, Arndell was put in charge of the hospital in Parramatta. By 1791, he began to work on the land there.

Becoming a Farmer

In July 1792, Arndell asked to retire from his surgeon job. He wanted to become a settler and farmer. He believed he could make a better living as a farmer. Arthur Phillip, who was the governor, agreed. He gave Arndell 60 acres of land near Parramatta to farm.

By October 1792, Arndell had cleared 21 acres of his land. He was one of only three people to achieve this much work. The amount of land he owned grew a lot. By 1806, he had 630 acres, and by 1807, he owned 750 acres.

Life in Hawkesbury

Arndell settled in the Hawkesbury district. He lived there for most of his life. He continued to farm and became one of the most successful farmers of his time. He mainly grew grains and raised sheep. He even built the first windmill in the district for grinding flour.

In 1806, a big flood hit Cattai, New South Wales. The water rose 18 inches in the area. Arndell helped organize relief efforts for the people affected by the flood. Later in his life, Arndell became an assistant surgeon in the district. During this time, William Bligh was the governor.

The Rum Rebellion

In 1808, an event called the Rum Rebellion happened. This led to Governor Bligh being removed from power. Thomas Arndell supported Governor Bligh during this difficult time. He was a trusted friend to the governor.

Because he sided with Bligh, Arndell lost his position as a magistrate for a while. Archibald Bell became the new magistrate. However, the next governor, Lachlan Macquarie, was impressed by Arndell's loyalty. Governor Macquarie managed to convince the British government to give Arndell his magistrate job back.

Family Life

Thomas Arndell married Elizabeth Burleigh in 1807. They had six children together:

• William Arndell
• Elizabeth Emily Gordon
• Mary Louisa White
• Sarah Threlkeld
• James Arndell
• Frances Hannah Gunn

Thomas Arndell had other children before he came to Australia. In total, he fathered 14 children, but only half of them lived to adulthood.

He passed away on May 2, 1821, in Cattai, New South Wales. Elizabeth died 22 years later, on January 31, 1843. Both Thomas and Elizabeth Arndell are buried at St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Windsor, New South Wales.