St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Smith Family Cemetery (ca. 1794)
Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 14, 2025
1. Smith Family Cemetery (ca. 1794) - Marker
This family cemetery was established by United Empire Loyalist, Nicholas Smith
The Butler's Rangers were a group of eight companies of men, led by John Butler, who fought for the Crown during the American Revolutionary War. The Rangers included affiliated Mohawk and Iroquois nations' warriors. Nicholas Smith, a United Empire Loyalist, joined the Butler's Bangers, serving as a bugle boy and translator (he was part Iroquois) during the American Revolution. He was married to Catherine, daughter of Lena Jansen and William May, who also served in Butler's Rangers. As reward for services to the British Crown, Nicholas was granted lands in the Township of Grantham in 1794. By 1797, Nicholas sold those lands and purchased Lots 2 and 3, Concession I Pelham, and Lots 4, 5 and 6, Concession VIII Louth, on which now stands Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery.
Nicholas and Catherine had 14 children - seven sons and seven daughters. Nicholas died March 18, 1843 and divided his lots among his sons. Youngest son Henry Smith erected a building on his lot in 1842 that would became one of the first taverns in
this page online
At the time of the Inn's popularity, the roads were made of stone and one of Ontario's first tollgates was located at the corner of Pelham Road and Fifth Street Louth. Commonly referred to as "Smith Settlement", the area was the pioneering gateway to the Niagara Escarpment, where the townships of Louth, Pelham and Thorold came together.
Henry Smith owned and operated the tavern until February 10, 1856 when he died. The inn and lot were passed out of the family shortly thereafter. By 1982, Paul Speck and his three sons Paul, Matthew and Daniel, descendants of John Nicholas Smith, son of Nicholas Smith and Catherine May, purchased and rented lands around the old inn to begin growing grapes. A few years later, Paul purchased Lot 5, Concession 8. Louth Township, on which the inn was located and commenced the restoration of the buildings and the operation of the Henry
Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 14, 2025
2. Smith Family Cemetery (ca. 1794) - Marker in context
Erected by St. Catharines Heritage Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.
Location. 43° 6.617′ N, 79° 17.777′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is on Fifth Street Louth 0.2 kilometers north of Pelham Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is within the property of a business, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery. To view the marker, visit the retail area during business hours and ask directions. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2964 Fifth Street Louth, St Catharines ON L2R 6P7, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in
Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 14, 2025
3. Smith Family Cemetery (ca. 1794) - Marker in context
The path to the marker (distant, left of centre) and cemetery includes a garden arch trellis.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Norton Cabin c. 1817 (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); The Bridge at Laura's Crossing (approx. 2.2 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - Harvesting Ice (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - John DeCou's Falls and Mills (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - Robert Chappell and Mountain Mills (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - The Sawmill (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - The Blacksmith and Carpentry Shop (approx. 2.6 kilometers away); Morningstar Mill - The Barn (approx. 2.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.
Regarding Smith Family Cemetery (ca. 1794). At some point, the gravestones were removed, then later brought back; so, the gravestones do not mark actual burial locations.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 14, 2025
4. Fancy Grape Vines
The mesh netting reduces predation from birds.
Photographed by Kevin Westell, September 14, 2025
5. Old Grape Press
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
