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Morpeth Community's Smith Cemetery

The following information is with a Huge vote of Thanks to those involved with the Morpeth Book As the Story is Told and above all with special Thank You's to Keith McLean!

(The following information is condensed from the book.)

The first settlers on what is now the Morpeth Cemetery lands were Israel and Elizabeth Smith, who settled there "under the watchful eye of Col Talbot" in 1818. And many of us know the difficulties of settling under his "Watchful Eye"!

Quote..."As in any life situation, even more in those days of death at an early age, a burial ground was soon needed. I assume that because of the high gravel ridge, separated from the tillable farm land by the gully of Big Creek, this spot was chosen by the Smiths. The first fifty years are veiled in obscurity with no records in existence. These grounds were known in those days as the "Smith Grave Yard". During this period Mr and Mrs Smith made available burial sites not only for their own family but also to other pioneer families. Whether a charge was made or not lies in silence. ... End of quote.

Among the first burials it is said were
Nicholas Cornwall, 1818, age 38.
Benjamin Bell, 1820, age 76.
Samuel Coll, 1821, age 30.
Christopher Morrison, 1822, age 4. The Ruddle Brothers, June 4 1822 age 39 and 27 drowned in Rondeau Bay according to the legend.
And a Simpkins boy, 1823, 1 year old.

In 1868 Cyrus and Catherine Smith sold the Smith Grave Yard for the sum of ten dollars to a newly formed trustee board of the community. Parts of the deed still exist and have been preserved today. It clearly states that the cemetery was "Not to belong exclusively to any particular denomination of Christians under the act above cited". In fact that was stated more than once. "Cyrus and Catherine retained their own family plot that was fenced measuring thirty four by twenty four and one half feet.

1872. Property purchased from John and Frances Mason for two dollars for a lane to the cemetery.

Just after this time there seems to be a small cemetery plot added for the Masons in front of the cemetery along the road for their own use. It seems to have somehow landed up in the hands of the cemetery board. Further information on this transaction seems to be lost in the past.

1894. Morpeth growing with shipping close and Rail Road coming. Two Fifths of an acre more land was purchased for one hundred and fifty dollars.

May 13 1893. Resignation of all of the board. Newly elected were Ben Smith, George Handy, and Mat Wade. Further Information on this is lost in history.

Augustus Leibner served as secretary treasurer of the board and undertaker until his death in 1812. His combined home and business was just west of what is now the Plaza Restaurant. His Grand daughter recalls staying overnight and if a death occurred how he would take his boards and equipment from the closet off the front hall and would go to the deceased's home to prepare the body. She remembers well the black team of horses, scotch collars and the covered black hearse. As a child she and her young friends played with their dolls in this vehicle.

1904. New railing installed to tie horses during funerals.

1907. An old rotting wood shed was removed from the site. Also that year, the road way was widened by two rods to make the road safer in winter.

1912, Attempted purchase of more land from Mr Henry Trudgen, but at two hundred and fifty dollars they refused as the price was too high.

1916. Small building moved to the site to use as a tool shed for many years. Mr Barker became care taker.

1919. Each plot holder to be assessed a dollar per year for upkeep. Also, 36 new lots were formed. At $20 per plot the money went to Mr Trudgen. So instead of selling for $250 he got $720 for the land.

1927, First mention of perpetual care. However, for rest of the twenties few people purchased such. Finally grass was only cut in those areas where they had paid.

1934. Women's Institute raised money to build a metal fence and gates. Trustees decided it would be best to look like Rodney. Cost $196.43 plus $28.20 for labour. . Dedication service held Aug 19.

1934. Women's Institute to raise money for grading and fencing of driveway. Sometimes hearse would have to stop on Hwy 21 with casket carried that far. One time hearse got stuck and horses had to pull it out.

1938. More land was purchased from Mr Trudgen for $550.

1939. New Edifying Entrance erected by Women's Institute.

1945. Mr D Coll offered some new land for a level entrance to the drive way in exchange for a plot. Offer excepted.

1952 - 1955. Oyster suppers held to help with fund raising.

1955. Board purchased tool shed from Mr Reg Stirling in New Scotland for $150. Building moved in 1956 to the site on skids.

1956. Repairs to Talbot Road and thus to the entrance again. Land purchased from Mr Coll for $500.

1960's. Many improvements made to the cemetery and to it's stone monuments.