PIONEER CEMETERY
Stories Written in Stone
Pioneer Cemetery preserves the stories of people and families connected to Amity’s early history. Its grave markers recall settlers such as Willamina Craig Maley Williams, for whom the nearby town of Willamina was named, and members of families such as the Wallings, whose descendants helped shape the surrounding community.
The cemetery also holds unusual reminders of later history, including a hollow zinc-alloy grave marker, or “zinkie,” like those sometimes used to conceal alcohol during Prohibition. Together, these stories offer a glimpse into the lives, families, and events that shaped early Amity.
SNAPSHOT IN TIME
Photos from the past
Four of the seven Watt sisters from left, Helen, Avis, Grace, and Nettie Sanders pose for a photograph in front of their family farm, south of Amity. The farm eventually became a hotel.
Look for this grave marker. Bootleggers used hollow grave markers like this one—made of a zinc alloy and known as a “zinkie”—to hide alcoholic beverages during Prohibition (1920 – 1933).
Willamina Craig Maley and James Maley came to Oregon from Ohio in 1845. Reportedly, Willamina was the first pioneer woman to cross the Willamette River. After James died, she married Enos Williams and they settled in Amity. The nearby town of Willamina is named after her.
This General Land Office map from 1852 records Kalapuya settlements.
VOICES OF AMITY
Stories in Their Own Words
Joseph Watt
Pioneer Farmer and Wool Producer
Joseph Watt (1817–1890) was an Oregon pioneer, farmer, and industrialist who settled in Yamhill County and helped shape Amity’s early development. He brought one of the first large flocks of Merino sheep to the Willamette Valley, helped establish Oregon’s early wool industry, and opened new markets for Oregon wheat and wool.
In 1865, Watt platted an addition to the growing town of Amity, where his family had deep roots. He died in 1890 and was laid to rest in Amity Cemetery, connecting his remarkable life directly to the community he helped build.
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