He was born in Anderson, Ontario, Canada.
Meighen matriculated at the University of Toronto, gaining a B.A. in Mathematics in 1896. In 1904 he married Isabel J. Cox (1882 - 1985) with whom he had two sons and one daughter.
Meighen experimented in several professions, including those of teacher, lawyer and businessman before becoming involved in politics as a member of the Conservative party of Canada. He led the party in the years 1920-1926 and 1941-1942. Although he was gifted with intellect and debating skill, he served only two short periods as Prime Minister of Canada. Meighen and his party briefly regained power after the inconclusive election of 1925, but they were swept from office in the 1926 election and Meighen soon resigned as Conservative Party leader. He later served in the Senate and made a brief return to elective politics in 1942.
Arthur Meighen died in Toronto, Ontario on August 5, 1960 and was buried in St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, Ontario near his birthplace.
| Prime Minister of Canada | ||
| Preceded by: Robert Borden |
First leadership (1920-1921) | Followed by: Mackenzie King |
| Preceded by: Mackenzie King |
Second leadership (1926) | Followed by: Mackenzie King |
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