Pringle Creek is formed from several smaller
streams. It flows between Bush's Pasture Park and historic Deepwood
estate and along the south side of Pringle Park.
The reference Oregon Geographic Names, on page 690 states that
Pringle Creek was named after Virgil K. Pringle, who arrived
in Salem December 25, 1846. He took a donation land claim near
the stream which accordingly he named for himself. This stream
rises in the hills south of Salem, and flows through the southern
part of the town. The other adjoining buildings and features
in the area accordingly took the name of the creek in their
names as well, such as Pringle Park Plaza.
Octavius M. Pringle, son of Virgil K. Pringle, wrote an account
of the trip under the heading Experience of an Emigrant Boy
of 1846. Octavius Pringle subsequently moved to Central Oregon
(Prineville) in 1874. and Pringle Falls on the Deschutes River
was named after him.
Clark Brown and Tabitha Moffatt married in 1799 in New England.
They had two sons and a daughter, Pherne. Mr. Brown passed
away and in 1824, Mrs. Brown moved the family to Missouri.
Daughter Pherne married Virgil K. Pringle.
Virgil K. Pringle farmed, but mostly operated a boot and shoe
shop. In those days the lighter manufacturing trades were
usually carried on in the home, and he had his shop in his
home and had very prosperous business. One of the sons from
Brown/Moffatt came to Oregon in 1844 and returned extolling
the virtues of Oregon.
Virgil K Pringle, Pherne Brown headed out with other family
members over the Oregon Trail in April 1846. Where Pringle
settled is not stated, but Virgil K. Pringle is referenced
again as the administrator of David Carter's estate in March
1850 which sold at auction. David Carter had been in partnership
with Joseph Holman who was a prominent businessman and whose
commercial building was the site of the Oregon State Legislature
for several years in Salem.
There are some Pringles buried in the Pioneer cemetery in
Salem including Virgil K. Pringle.
Other creeks in Salem include Clark Creek, Jory Creek, Battle
Creek, Croisan Creek, and Claggett Creek. Glen Creek and Brush
Creek flow through West Salem.
Compiled and written by Monica Mersinger
Bibliography:
Historic Marion, Marion County Historical Society, Volume
2, June, 1956, pages 18, 52 and 53.
Oregon Geographic Names, Fifth Edition, page 690
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