This is another cache in the Faded Markers Series. This series will mainly focus on older, near forgotten burial plots of pioneers in the Niagara Region and beyond. The goal of this series is not necessarily the length of the walk nor the difficulty of the find, but rather a simple reverence for those who came before us to shape our area.
William Secord Servos died on January 21, 1862 and was buried on his own land. Land records show that his property was originally part of a one hundred acre Crown Land grant made to Thomas Butler, second son of Colonel John Butler.
Servos acquired the land on December 10, 1858. William's lone grave, once surrounded by orchards and now on property in an industrial park, is unique in that it has survived over the years in part due to the iron fence erected around the grave and to its location - the farm eventually became part of the nearby bird sanctuary.
The broken tombstone was taken from the grave several years ago and stored to avoid further damage. The restoration of the grave was accomplished with the foresight and assistance of several interested people, businesses and the Colonel John Butler Branch and supported by articles in the St. Catharines Standard.
The grave site was restored and the old stone was cleaned and mounted on a granite slab and placed back inside the fence. The company which now owns the land on which the grave is located provided financial support and a commitment to maintain the grave.
No need to search the grave site, but maybe the nearby tree. Have fun and happy caching!