15 Facts About James Withycombe

James Withycombe was an English-born American Republican politician who served as the 15th Governor of Oregon.

James Withycombe immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1871, settling on a farm near Hillsboro, Oregon.

James Withycombe worked on his father's farm for four years, and in 1873 Withycombe purchased his own 100-acre parcel on the Horace Lindsay Land Claim, later expanding his holdings to 256 acres.

Agriculture became James Withycombe's passion, becoming a prosperous livestock breeder and establishing a reputation as a successful scientific farmer.

James Withycombe's success led to his involvement in local farming organizations.

James Withycombe became a charter member of the Farmington Grange, and later became a leader in the state grange movement.

James Withycombe's stature gained him an appointment as State Veterinarian in 1889, where he diligently worked to improve conditions of livestock health around the state.

James Withycombe received his master's degree in Agriculture 1891 from OAC.

James Withycombe became heavily involved in Oregon's agricultural industry, serving as president of the North Pacific Wool Growers and Northwest Sheep Breeders Associations.

James Withycombe won the Republican nomination in the primary but lost in the general election to incumbent Democratic governor George Earle Chamberlain.

The James Withycombe Administration backed the "Good Roads" movement, creating the Oregon Highway Commission while in office.

James Withycombe encouraged volunteer military service, and promoted the state's war industries.

James Withycombe spoke out publicly against the Industrial Workers of the World, claiming that it terrorized labor and would cripple industry following several instances of IWW threats to disrupt production in 1917.

James Withycombe used his powers as governor to prevent a shipyard strike in Astoria, by calling out the National Guard.

James Withycombe was interred in Mount Crest Abbey Mausoleum in City View Cemetery in Salem, Oregon.