Stephens, James Bowles, 1806-1889.

James B. Stephens (1806-1889) was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

From the guide to the James Bowles Stephens collection, 1852-1983, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

James B. Stephens (1806-1889) was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

He worked as a cooper, and in 1844 he traveled overland to Oregon. Settling first in Oregon City, he came to the new town of Portland in 1845 and built the first house opposite the townsite on the east side of the Willamette. He operated the horse-powered Stark Street Ferry, contracted with the Hudson's Bay Company to supply barrels, transported soldiers during the Yakima Indian wars in the mid 1850s, and laid out the townsite of East Portland. He died in 1889 and is buried in Lone Fir Cemetery.

From the description of James Bowles Stephens collection [manuscript], 1852-1983 1852-1862. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 690132423