"Early History of Thurston County, Washington; Together with Biographies and Reminiscences of those Identified with Pioneer Days." Compiled and Edited by Mrs. George E. (Georgiana) Blankenship. Published in Olympia, Washington, 1914. p. 248. EDMOND AND CROWELL H. SYLVESTER The pioneers who are the subjects of this sketch are too well known, and their pioneer experiences have been so oft related that the compiler can give but little more than a repetition of facts which are already history. Fishermen bold were these brothers, descended from a long line of fishermen, who made their home at Deer Isle, Maine, the spirit and love of danger and adventure was born with them. In 1846, the elder brother, Edmond, came to Puget Sound, locating first on a claim on what later became known as Chambers' Prairie. Sylvester's nearest neighbor was Nathan Eaton, the first settler on this prairie. Sylvester had as partner a man named Smith, who selected fur his claim the half section of ground where Olympia, now stands. There was a mutual agreement that in the event of the death of either of the partners, the survivor should own the whole of both claims. Sylvester and Smith, even then, had faith that a town would be built, on the location; indeed, the partners planned to lay out a town site themselves. To this new town they planned to give the name Smithter, combining their names. In 1848 Smith, who was subject to epilepsy, was found dead in his boat, in which he was intending to make a trip to attend the Oregon Legislature, of which he had been elected a member. By the agreement Sylvester inherited Smith's claim and from that time on for many years the town and its development became his chief interest in life. He changed the name of the settlement to Olympia and his generosity in bestowing tracts of land to the city to be used for public purposes is well known. The beautiful little park, now known as Capital Square, but for many years called Sylvester Park, a half block of land west of the Capitol Building for the location of Olympia's first school house, and the ten acres donated to the State in Capitol Park on which are located the executive mansion and the foundation for the State Capitol buildings are among his magnificent bequests. When Edmond had lived in the West about four years he sent for his brother, Crowd H. Sylvester, to join him. Mrs. Edmond Sylvester was escorted by her brother-in-law in her journey trom the old home to join her husband. C. H. Sylvester, upon his arrival in the territory, located upon his claim, not far from South Bay. He was the pioneer settler in this section and was obliged to cut the trail through the dense woods to reach his claim. The first hotel this city could boast of was run by the Sylvester Brothers, a two-room shack, cloth lined, the whole building being but 16x24 feet in size, with bunks for the accommodation of guests. Edmund Sylvester was one of the owners of the brig Orbit, which came here in 1849, with a party of California gold seekers, Capt. W. H. Dunham. This ship was the first owned on Puget Sound, the forerunner of the vast fleet now plying these waters. Edmund Sylvester built his home on the block now facing the postoffice building on Main Street and for many years it was considered the finest home in Washington. And when he ended this world's activities in the late '80's, his brother Crowell Sylvester, continued to live on his valuable farm till the time of his death in the early part of this century. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Bios. Project in June 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.