Emily Harrison H.M. Waller's sister Emily of Bethel, Illinois, married Harrison Brunk. They lived in Missouri just prior to making the trip overland in 1849. They freed their slaves, packed their possessions into two prairie schooners and came west. There were four yoke of oxen to pull each covered wagon. The trip took nearly seven months and was completed via the Barlow Road.
Tours are available in the summer.
The Brunks were active members of the Eola Christian Church where Emily's brother preached for many years. Additional information can be gleaned from Historically Speaking, Volume IV , published by the Polk County Historical Society, Monmouth, Oregon in 1980. The Society also operates the Brunk House. Brunk House on Highway 22 and Waller Street in Salem. The church was launched in 1866.