Getting to know Perth County's first sheriff

Robert Moderwell was the first sheriff of Perth County, and served in that role from 1853 to 1872. He was succeeded by John Hossie, who was related to him, and who had worked with him in the sheriff’s office for a number of years.

In his first year as sheriff, in 1853, Robert Moderwell presided as returning officer at the new courthouse on the north side of the Avon River for the election of five council members, and for the election of inspectors of “houses of public entertainment,” namely hotels and taverns. This new courthouse was built on land donated by Col. William F. McCulloch on William Street to the east of Hamilton Street. The site included the new courthouse, registry office and jail.

During his early years as sheriff, Stratford had some hard financial times when the........

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