Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Donegal - Gowrie

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

Donegal, Ontario

In the township of Elma, was named by John R. Foster, it being the name of his native place in Ireland. This office was opened in 1856, John R. Foster first postmaster.

This office was first named Carronbrook, from the stream that flows through the village. This is one of the oldest settlements in Perth County, and the first postoffice was opened by U. C. Lee, about l854. When Carronbrook attained the dignity of a police village in 1878, Joseph Kidd and Tom King were leading men of the place. Mr. Kidd, having been born in Dublin, Ireland, under the shadow of the "Hill o' Hough," the new police village was named after Ireland's capital, G. J. Kidd being postmaster.

Fairview, Ontario

In Downie, was named from the beautiful view obtained from its elevated site, affording a pleasant prospect over a goodly portion of Perth and Oxford counties. This office was opened in 1863, with L. Robinson, as first postmaster.

Fernbank, Ontario

In Mornington, was named by the late Mrs. Grieve, wife of James Grieve, M.P., who represented North Perth in parliament. Mr. Grieve's farm was known as Fernbank, and this name was given to the postoffice, which was opened in 1896, with William Reid as first postmaster.

Freeborn, Ontario

In Mornington, was named in honor of John Freeborn, an old resident of Mornington, who founded Millbank, and who was amongst the first to carry the banner of civilization into the wilderness in this section of Perth County. This office was opened in 1886, with John Freeborn as first postmaster.

Fullarton, Ontario

In Fullarton, was named after that municipality, which again was named in honor of Mr. Fullarton, one of the first directors of the Canada Company. This village was founded by Mr. James Woodley, and the office opened in 1852, with John Buchan, as postmaster, a Scotchman who opened the first store.

Gadshill, Ontario

In Ellice and North Easthope, is a low elevation in what was at one period a dense swamp, and to add some dignity to the little spot of dry land, it was named after the famous hill sacred to the memory of Falstaff, and later Charles Dickens. This office was opened in 1865, with W. B. Crinkley as first postmaster.

Gowanstown, Ontario

In Wallace, was named in honor of Thomas H. Gowan, who founded the place, and kept the first store and tavern. This office was opened in 1871, with William Blackstone as first postmaster.

Gowrie, Ontario

In Fullarton, was named in honor of the Carse of Gowrie in Scotland, and was opened in 1881, with Richard Moore as first postmaster.