Jacob Smith and his family
left: Indiana and crossed the Oregon Trail in 1851. They settled
first on Whidby Island before moving to Chambers Prairie. Their
large family included 4 daughters and 3 sons. Son
Samuel Howard Smith, who lies
beside his parents, preceded them in death. While hunting on
Bush Prairie with the Bush brothers, he leaned his rifle against
a tree. When he picked it up, it discharged, killing him on the
spot.
His father, Jacob Smith, died a little over a year later in
1879. Priscilla Smith remained in the house on Chambers Prairie
until her death in 1894. The woman was remembered fondly. The
Morning Olympian described her. "[She] was known far and wide
for her charity and hospitality. The history of the county would
scarcely be complete without recalling the many happy gatherings
of young people under her roof. She was a great entertainer and
her home was always the scene of a dance or festivity of some
kind, and the favored resort for young people."