Imbrie, James, J.

The following data is extracted from History of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington, 1889.

JAMES J. IMBRIE. - Among those who have sketches of their lives in these pages, there are but few spoken of who, like the subject of this memoir, were "Webfoot" born. He first saw the light of day at his father's farm on Tualatin Plains, January 29,1852. During his earlier years he learned the rudiments of his education at the log schoolhouse long since a thing of the past. Later on he attended and continued his studies at Pacific University at Forest Grove, and in June, 1877, graduated with high honors from the Willamette University at Salem. Removing to Portland he engaged at clerical work for about two years, and then went to Eastern Washington and devoted his energies to stock-raising, which he actively and successfully followed until 1882, when he located in North Yakima and opened a hardware store, leaving the care of his stock to others.

During the winter of 1882-83 his losses through severe weather and horse-thieves left him with nothing except his store. In the fall of 1883 he disposed of his interest in the hardware business, and removed to Ellensburgh, Washington Territory. there he engaged in the machine and implement trade, which he followed until 1887, when he began operating in real estate. In this business he is now engaged. Mr. Imbrie was married to Miss May Swetland, of Vancouver, Washington Territory, in 1882. By this union three children were born all of whom are deceased.

Source: History of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington, 1889

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