Origin of Perth County, Ontario Place Names

Sebringville - Stratford

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

Sebringville, Ontario

On the boundary line between Downie and Ellice, was named in honor of John Sebring, the first settler there, and for a number of years a prominent man in politics and a member of the old district council in Goderich. This office was opened in 1840, with T. A. Sebring as first postmaster.

Shakespeare, Ontario

On the boundary line between North and South Easthope, first known as Bell's Corners, was named in honor of the great dramatist, William Shakespeare, by Alexander Mitchell. This office was opened in 1848 with Alexander Mitchell as first postmaster. This office was kept in the hotel for some time and was removed on the appointment of William Cossey as successor to Mr. Mitchell.

Shipley, Ontario

In Wallace, was, it is believed, named in honor of the birthplace of its first postmaster, Mr. E. Bristow. This office was opened in 1858.

Staffa, Ontario

In Hibbert, was originally named Spring Hill, a number of beautiful springs rising in the declivity on which the villageis built. Another office in Ontario of this name led to confusion in the mails designed for either point, when a change was made by the Department to Staffa. This office was opened in 1865 by Thomas Dunn, first postmaster.

Stratford, Ontario

Now the City of Stratford, was no doubt the first postoffice to be opened in this county. The stream flowing through the swamp, known as Victoria Lake, was named the Avon by the Canada Company, and the new town, first known as Llttle Thames, was called Stratford in honor of Stratford-on-Avon, the birthplace of Willliam Shakespeare. This office was opened about 1835, with Mr. J. C. W. Daly as first postmaster.