William Steward, an African-American teamster and his wife Susannah lived in Niagara from 1834 – 1847. The Steward House was a part of Niagara’s “coloured village” – a vibrant community of former Canadian slaves, black loyalists, and African-American refugees. In 1837, Wm. Steward was one of 17 local blacks who signed a petition asking Lieut. Gov. Sir Frances Bond Head to refuse to extradite Kentucky fugitive Solomon Moseby, who was rescued from the Niagara jail by more than 100 Afro-Canadians. In 1847, the Stewards moved to Galt (now Cambridge).
The house is an excellent example of the local vernacular architecture. It went through many changes, including surrounding porches, but the Foundation’s restoration returned it to its earlier form. The Foundation purchased the property to rescue it from development, and completed the exterior restoration in 2006. The house is now privately owned.