Michael Troutman Simmons was born near Shepardville, Bullet County, KY on Aug. 5, 1814. He married Elizabeth Kindred, daughter of David & Talitha (Ramey) Kindred on 1 Jan. 1835 in Clay Co., Iowa. In 1840 Simmons and his family moved to Missouri. By 1844 Simmons, his wife and four young sons had decided to cross the plains to Oregon. For the trip several parties were organized--military style. Simmons was elected "Colonel", 2nd in command, to assist in supervising 80 wagons on the trip via the Oregon Trail. There were 323 people in the party. They traveled 2000 miles from Independence, MO. They reached their destination of Fort Vancouver in Oct. 1844 and Christopher Columbus Simmons was born on 14 April 1845. Christopher was the 5th of 12 children born to them. After arriving, Simmons, his family and many of the party wintered at Washougal, WA, near Fort Vancouver. In July and August 1845, Simmons and 5 other men explored the then wilderness of Washington State and founded what is now Tumwater, WA in the fall of 1845. In October 1845 Simmons with his family and a party of 31 others, including the Kindred family, established Tumwater, WA. Michael T. Simmons was the first in many of the activities of the new settlement. After living at Tumwater for a number of years, they sold their property to Mr. Cosby and moved to Olympia, WA where they entered the mercantile business. Simmons was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs of Washington Territory. Simmons and his family moved to Mason County, WA and made their home there until about 1864. Simmons and his wife moved to Lewis County, WA in 1864 and remained there until Simmons passed away in 1867. Simmons passed away at his residence in Lewis County, WA on Nov. 15, 1867. Elizabeth had come to Shelton to stay with two of her sons when she passed away on 23 March 1891.
Christopher Columbus Simmons was the 5th of 12 children born to Michael T. and Elizabeth Simmons. He was the first white child born north and west of the Columbia River. His birthing chamber was a sheep pen with canvas stretched over it to try and keep the rain out. His parents felt that he, in a way, had discovered the Territory of Washington, so they named him Christopher Columbus. He was 19 when he met Asenath Ann Kennedy, the daughter of Judge Kennedy. After a very short courtship, they eloped to Seattle, WA where they consulted Simmons uncle, Dr. Maynard, about their concerns. They were worried they might not be allowed to get married because of Asenath's young age of 13. Dr. Maynard had an ingenious suggestion of writing "18" on two pieces of paper and putting them in her shoes. When asked during the ceremony in 1864 if she was over 18, she truthfully answered yes. Their marriage lasted for 67 years ended when he passed away on 7 July 1931. Asenath passed away on 8 Oct. 1940. When Mrs. Simmons passed away, there were 5 daughters; 3 sons; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren who survived her.
From the description of Ancestors and descendants of Christopher Columbus Simmons and Asenath Ann Kennedy Simmons, Washington State pioneers, [198-] / compiled by their granddaughter, Margaret Moore Keck. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 437427604
