Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Newry - Prospect Hill

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

Newry, Ontario

In Elma, was named after the birthplace of the late Mr. Coulter, one of the first settlers and a most energetic man. This office was opened in 1862 with Mr. C. Coulter as first postmaster.

Newton, Ontario

In Mornington, was named by the people of that section in honor of Sir Isaac Newton. This office was opened in 1881, with Mr. John Zoeger as first postmaster.

In North Easthope, at one time known as Brown's Mills, was founded at an early day. In 1849 a village plot was laid out where the present office now is, and named Nithburg, as being the burg on the River Nith. The first postoffice was opened in the new burg in 1848, by James Brown, first and only postmaster, who has held the position for a longer period than any other officer in the county.

Palmerston, Ontario

On the boundary of Wallace, was first known as Dryden postoffice, and opened in 1866, with Robert Johnston as postmaster. Through the construction of the Wellington, Grey & Bruce and the Stratford & Huron Railways, Palmerston has become a railroad centre. In 1873, therefore, the name Dryden was changed to Palmerston, in honor of Lord Palmerston, who was for some time Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Robert Johnston still continuing in the position of postmaster.

Poole, Ontario

This place is in Mornington, and was surveyed by Government as a town plot, and named by those in authority at the time. The town was not successful, and is now a quiet country village. The postoffice was opened in 1865, with Mr. D. Mathews as first postmaster.

Prospect Hill, Ontario

In Blanshard, was first known as Fish Creek, and located a mile further north than the present office. Prospect Hill, at one time an important village, received its name on account of its elevation, being built on the highest point of land for many miles in any direction. This office was opened at Fish Creek by John Bell, in 1852, and subsequently removed to Prospect Hill.