A reader calls as an error in designating the small farming community near the 3rd concession of Whitby Township as “Baggotsville”, so named after Sir Charles Bagot, who was Governor General of Canada from 1841 until his death in 1843.
Many years ago, it is said, doubtless about the time of the incumbency in office of Sir Charles Bagot, there was a village of some importance at this place, having a population of 300 souls, and being distinguished by the location there of two grist mills, as well as several stores and a cobbler’s shop. The village was named Bagotville, after the Lieutenant-Governor.
As years passed by, and the population scattered, moving to towns and cities, the village lost its prominence until it became little more than a name, with only a few houses nearly. Those who were responsible for naming it passed away and gradually most of those who knew of the origin of the name were lost track of. New generations arose, who not knowing of the honor done the place by naming it “Bagotville”, twisted the word to “Baggotsville,” which latter is used generally today by the residents of this community. Since Bagotville has not now even a post office, no harm can result from designating it either as Baggageville or Baggotsville, but this little piece of history as related by our informant will be interesting at best to those who live on the spot or who have heard their parents or grandparents speak of the village of Bagotville, with its prosperous population and its mills and business places.
