shipping lists from New York. Returning to Oregon, he entered boldly, almost without money, into the produce and commission business in Portland and surrounding country. By very careful calculations, and exact methods, and the timely tender by a friend of a small SLIM of money, which he was soon able to return, he made rapid financial headway, and has never been obliged to seek aid outside of his own resources. Never since his first establishment has he worked for a salary, but has been controller and operator of large kinds of business, and one of those men that seek employees instead of employment. Continuing his trade in produce he transferred his interests, in 1859, to the boot and shoe trade, forming a partnership with Mr. C. M. Wiberg. In 1870 the firm closed out, and Mr. Strowbridge made a specialty of leather and shoe findings.

" In the great fire of 1873 he was burned out and lost heavily, but was among the first to rebuild, and to get a stock again on the market. He has followed this business with great fidelity up to the present time, becoming known for his integrity and fair dealing. He has been successful, reaping the honest fruits of his application, sagacity, and good investments. He has the satisfaction of liquidating all honest debts tile moment they are due, of paying a hundred cents on the dollar, and of knowing that no one ever lost a farthing through him. This is a clean and handsome record, of which any man may be proud. He is one of our men of wealth, who holds nothing but what legitimately belongs to him. He has been extensively engaged in real estate operations in the city, and has pursued the liberal policy of improving his property, and thus furnishing accommodations for business and stimulating the growth of the city. In addition to this record in exact affairs, he has been closely identified with public measures to develop the city and state. Inclined to be conservative, believing rather in steady growth than in ephemeral excitement, and quiet and careful, he has, nevertheless, done more than could be told within these pages to make Portland a true emporium.

"In the interest of public good and philanthropy he has a wide influence, being a friend of the public schools and of the churches, contributing to almost every religious organization in the city.

"He was one of the first members of the Portland volunteer fire department, organized about 1853, and is now an exempt and honorary member. He has been a member of the Portland Board of Trade since its first organization. He was one of the incorporators of Lone Fir cemetery.