The original district was created by the British North America Act of 1867.

The second incarnation of the south riding consisted of the townships of Brant, Carrick, Culross, Elderslie, Greenock, Huron, and Kinloss, the town of Walkerton, and the villages of Chelsey, Lucknow, Paisley and Teeswater in the county of Bruce.

In 1924, it was redefined to consist of the part of the county of Bruce lying south of and including the townships of Huron, Kinloss, Greenock and Elderslie.

The electoral district was abolished in 1933 when it was merged into Bruce riding.

This riding elected the following members of Parliament: On Mr. Blake's appointment as Minister without Portfolio, 7 November 1873: By-Election: On Mr. Blake's appointment as Minister of Justice, 19 May 1875: Mr. J.J. Donnelly summoned to the Senate, 26 May 1913: