Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Carlingford - Cromarty

SOURCE:
History of Perth County
1825-1902 Chapter IX

by William Johnston

printed in 1903 by
W. M. O'Beirne at the
Beacon Office, Stratford

Carlingford, Ontario

The village of Carlingford was founded by two sons of the Emerald Isle, Mr. Abraham Davidson and Mr. Cook, each of whom desired to link his name with the future town. The inspector, to gratify neither and still please them both gave the name Carlingford, one of the prettiest spots in Ireland, to the new office which was opened in 1856, Abraham Davidson first postmaster. This office is in the township of Fullarton.

Carmunnock, Ontario

This office was named by William Mahan, who had considerable interest at this point in the early days. Mr. Mahan was born in Carmunnock, Renfrewshire, Scotland and so named the new hamlet in Logan. This office was opened in 1875, William Mahan first postmaster.

Carthage, Ontario

The naming of this office seems to have been a matter of chance, Mr. Thomas Hamilton the first settler, and Mr. Gamble another early settler are credited with giving it this name. Mr. Hamilton would have named the place after himself but the city of Hamilton was already in the Ontario list of offices. It was decided therefore to name the place Carthage. The office was opened in 1856 with Alexander McDonald as first postmaster.

Chiselhurst, Ontario

In the township of Hibbert, received its name from Chiselhurst, in England, where Napoleon III, died. This office was opened in 1875, with William Moore as first postmaster.

Conroy, Ontario

In the township of Downie, known as Conroy's Corners, was named in honor of a pioneer family, who were the first settlers. The office was opened in 1866, with John Rutledge as first postmaster.

Cromarty, Ontario

In the township of Hibbert, was named by John Ferguson of Craigdarroch, Scotland, as being the birthplace of Hugh Miller, author of "Testimony of the Rocks" and "Old Red Sandstone," and whose writings had a wonderful influence in bringing about the disruption in the Kirk of Scotland in 1842-3. This office was opened in 1856, with John McLaren, who founded the village, as first postmaster.