George Nelson Smith

Quick Facts

Place of Birth:

Youngstown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth:

June 19, 1808

Place of Death:

Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Date of Death:

December 29, 1890

Place of Burial:

Washington, District of Columbia

Cemetery Name:

Holy Rood Cemetery

Captain George Nelson Smith Smith was appointed as a toll collector in Johnstown. He drove the first boat that traveled on the Western Division of the Main Line Canal, which was at Johnstown. The boat was named General Abner Lacock.

He had prior experience on the water with keel boats and was regarded as a good swimmer. He then went into business with D. Leech & Co. He was captain of one of the company's first boats, the Pioneer. Smith fought in the Mexican American War and served three terms with the Pennsylvania Legislature.