Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Hampstead - Listowel

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

Hampstead, Ontario

In North Easthope, was named by the Department at Ottawa and opened in 1865, with Richard Lillico as first postmaster.

In Mornington, was formerly known as Mack's Corners. Mr. Samuel Rollin Hesson, who was M.P. for the north riding of Perth, did much to improve postal facilities in this section, and the people in acknowledgment of his efforts in their behalf named the new office in his honor. This office was opened in 1883, with William F. Mack as first postmaster.

Kennicott, Ontario

In Ellice, was formerly known as Sillsburg, being founded by Sills brothers, who were first settlers. Subsequent to their departure, the name was changed to Kennecott, in honor of Mr. Kenny, who was postmaster. This office was opened in 1890, with James Ernest, postmaster.

Kinkora, Ontario

In Ellice, is the centre of a large Irish population, and is named in remembrance of their old home. This office was opened in 1857, with William Hearsnip as first postmaster.

Kirkton, Ontario

On the boundary line between Blanshard and Usborne townships, was named after the Kirk family several brothers of whom were early settlers in the neighborhood. This office was opened in 1856, with James Eaton of the firm of James and Timothy Eaton, who opened the first store in Kirkton, as first postmaster.

Kuhryville, Ontario

In Ellice was named in honor of Andrew Kuhry, an old settler and prominent man in the municipality. This office was opened in 1899, with Alexander Smith as first postmaster.

Kurtzville, Ontario

In Wallace, was named after John Kurtz, on whose farm the office was established in 1885, with Jacob F. Doersam as first postmaster.

Lisbon, Ontario

In North Easthope, on the boundary line between Waterloo and Perth County, was named in honor of the capital of Portugal. This office was opened in 1856, with John Zinkann as first postmaster.

Listowel, Ontario

Now the town of Listowel, was formerly known as Mapleton and Windham. The Department subsequently set aside both names in favor of Listowel. This office was opened in 1856, with William H. Hacking as first postmaster.