Written by Geoff Butler
Today, we are travelling to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit the privately owned historic home of William and Susannah Steward.
William Steward (also spelled Stewart) was an African American teamster, and his wife Susannah Steward lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1834 to 1847. William was thought to be a formerly enslaved person and worked as a carpenter. He was about 35 years of age, appeared to be educated and could read and write. Susannah was ten years younger than William. The couple arrived in Upper Canada from the United States (unsure if they came together) and bought a lot for £25 on the corner of John and Butler streets in 1834. The lot was approximately an acre in size. The Stewards built a small house (1835), a storey-and-a-half in height, cleared their land and planted crops. Records indicate that they owned a dog and a horse. Apparently, Susannah may have done some hairdressing as well. They did not have any children.
The Steward’s home was part of Niagara’s “coloured village,” located in the city’s southwestern section. The community boasted approximately 400 residents and owned 10% of the lots in the town. Most of the residents were” former enslaved Canadians, Black Loyalists, and African American refugees.
In 1837, a slaveholder and wealthy horse breeder named David Castleman of Kentucky arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, with a warrant, demanding the arrest of his former ‘slave,’ Solomon Moseby. Castleman claimed that Moseby had stolen his horse, and wanted him returned to the United States. Moseby was imprisoned as the case was being prepared against him. Many of the residents of Niagara were outraged, as they believed the charge was false and Moseby would be sent back into slavery. William Steward was influential in the community. He was one of 17 local black residents who signed a petition, and 117 white citizens, to Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Bond demanding Moseby’s release and refusal of his extradition. The African Canadian community raised 1,000 dollars to repay Castleman for his horse. However, he rejected the money. The horse was worth $150.00. It soon became apparent that Castleman wasn’t concerned about the horse but instead wanted the return of his ‘property.’
Approximately 200 Black protesters camped around the Niagara jail as they waited for Bond’s decision. Local residents provided food and shelter for black supporters. Soldiers were sent to the courthouse as the government feared a rescue attempt might be in the ‘works.’
Soon after that, Moseby was ordered to be released to the Americans. As Moseby was brought from the King Street Courthouse, he was placed in a carriage, and several women standing outside (Susannah Steward?) blocked the bridge that the carriage was required to cross. Someone, in turn, shoved a wooden fence post into the carriage wheels. Two Black supporters rushed forward, tried to rescue Moseby and were killed. Solomon Moseby escaped during the confusion. He eventually made his way to freedom in England and returned to Niagara some years later.
Later that year, William and Susannah Steward divided their lot and sold some of their land to another local Black resident, Robert Baxter. Baxter was also a carpenter. Finally, in 1847, the Sewards sold their remaining 1/2 acre to John Oliver for £87.10. The Stewards eventually moved to Galt (Cambridge) in 1847 and lived there for the rest of their lives.
The William and Susannah Steward home is privately owned and is a superb example of “vernacular architecture.” The home is typical of the houses built by formerly enslaved people and black loyalists within the “coloured village.” The house is a historical memorial and testament to Niagara’s Black history, the African American community, and refugees in the area.
Resources:
Niagara’s History Unveiled: Solomon Moseby-Niagaranow.com
Willam and Susannah Steward House-heritagetrust.on.ca
William and Susannah Steward-baladodecouverte.com
William and Susannah Steward-ontarioplaques
Historic Steward House-notlocal.com
Solomon Moseby-The Harriet Tubman Institute
Solomon Moseby Affair-Ontario Heritage Trust
