Michael Simmons (pioneer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Simmons
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Michael Simmons
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| Born | August 5, 1814 |
| Died | November 15, 1867 (aged 53) |
| Occupation | Miller |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Kindred (b.1820–d.1891) (m. 1835) |
| Children | Stephen Douglass Simmons (d. 1852)
David Kindred Simmons (1838-1882) Francis Marion Simmons (1841-1924) McDonald Simmons (1843-1906) Christopher Columbus Simmons (1845-1931) Benjamin Franklin Simmons (1848-1925) Charlotte Elizabeth Simmons Koontz (1850-1929) Catharine Simmons Bannon (1857-1941) Charles Mason Simmons (1860-1944) Michael Troutman Simmons Jr. (1862-1939) George Washington Simmons Douglas Woodburg Simmons Mary Ellen Simmons |
Michael Simmons (born August 5, 1814 – died November 15, 1867) was an important American pioneer. He was one of the first non-Native American settlers in the Puget Sound area during the 1800s.
Contents
Who Was Michael Simmons?
Michael Simmons was born in Kentucky in 1814. He was one of ten children in his family. When he was a boy, he moved with his mother to Pike County, Illinois.
Early Life and Family
At age 21, Michael moved to Iowa. There, he married Elizabeth Kindred. She was 15 years old at the time. Five years later, Michael and Elizabeth moved to Missouri. Michael built a gristmill there. A gristmill is a place where grain is ground into flour.
Journey to the Pacific Northwest
In 1845, when Michael was 30, he decided to leave the Midwest. He joined a group of settlers traveling by wagon train. They were heading to the Puget Sound region. His friend, George Washington Bush, was also part of this group.
Michael Simmons became a leader for these new settlers. They even called him "Colonel."
Founding New Settlements
The group received advice from traders at Fort Nisqually. This fort was run by the Hudson's Bay Company. Following their advice, the American settlers founded a new town. They named it New Market. This town later became known as Tumwater.
Building Mills in Tumwater
At New Market, Simmons used the strong flow of Tumwater Falls. He built mills there, just like his gristmill in Missouri. These mills were important for the new community.
Moving to Olympia
In 1850, Simmons sold his businesses in New Market. He then moved to Olympia. He started investing in shipping. Even though he couldn't read or write, he became the postmaster of Olympia. A postmaster is in charge of the local post office.
Working with Native American Tribes
When Isaac Stevens became the first governor of the new Washington Territory, he appointed Michael Simmons. Simmons became an Indian agent. This job meant he worked with Native American tribes.
In 1854 and 1855, Simmons helped carry out Governor Stevens' treaties with the tribes. Treaties are formal agreements.
Later Life and Legacy
Michael Simmons passed away on November 15, 1867. He was 53 years old. He is remembered as a key figure in the early settlement of the Puget Sound area.
