He became a wealthy rancher and made $3,000 in the California gold fields .
Although Smith was severely wounded by an accidental gunshot he was the first member of the Peoria Party to make it to Oregon , arriving on September 3 , 1839 .
Smith became a wealthy rancher and made $3,000 in the California gold fields .
Although Smith was severely wounded by an accidental gunshot he was the first member of the Peoria Party to make it to Oregon , arriving on September 3 , 1839 .