Introduction
Located in Kent Parish, 25 miles south of Perth-Andover on the Monquart Stream, Johnville was one of several rural communities established in Carleton County in the second half of the 19th century by settlers sharing social and religious ties. Glassville was settled by Scottish Presbyterians; Knowlesville, by Nova Scotian Free Baptists; Beaufort, by Saint John Anglicans; and Johnville, largely by Irish-born Roman Catholics from New Brunswick.
Of these planned settlements, the Johnville scheme was probably the most ambitious, the promoters being anxious to establish several hundred people quickly on crown lands. Despite hardships and challenges, the Johnville settlers, led by Bishop John Sweeny and the Rev. Thomas Connolly, persevered and built a viable settlement within five years of their arrival in Carleton County. The community has retained its Irish-Catholic character to this day.