The Oldest Tombstone in Pilgrim Home Cemetery
 

    An 1845 marker is the oldest one in the Holland area.

    In 2005 the stone was repaired and placed upright with a bronze plaque added showing its history.  A short ceremony was held to dedicate the stone. 

    This stone marks the graves of five of the seven children of the Reverend George N. Smith and his wife, Arvilla.   Esther Eliza "Ettie" Smith was three years old and there were four infant siblings buried here as well.  Rev. Smith came to the area in 1839 to work with the Indians.  He started the Old Wing Mission on a large tract of land (1,369 acres).  The grave site was moved to the Pilgrim Home Cemetery from the Old Wing Mission.  This mission was located on Point Superior where the Marigold Lodge is located to day.

    Albertus VanRaalte and his followers stayed with the Smith family when they first arrived in 1847.  Soon after the Ottawa tribe and the Smiths moved north.  The Old Wing Mission was located on 40th Avenue 1/2 mile east of Waverly Road.  The current owners are restoring the mission.

Transcriber: ES
Created: 14 February 2006
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/pioneers/tombstone.html