The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and
Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 195 

JAMES L. SEARLES.

For sixteen years James L. Searles has been a resident of Mabton, where he is
now successfully engaged in the real estate business. He was born in Greenwich.
Connecticut, October 25, 1860, a son of Merritt and Mary Elizabeth Searles, the
former of whom followed agricultural pursuits. Both died in Connecticut.

James L. Searles received his education in the public schools of that state and
after having completed his education in 1878 removed to Miles City, Montana,
where he was connected with a railroad crew as a cook and also took part in the
roundups for several years. He came to Washington in 1883 and located in
Ellensburg, where he remained until 1890, when he removed to Centralia. This
city remained his home until 1902, which year witnessed his arrival in Mabton.
There his brother-in-law, Tilton Phillips, was the owner of the first store and
Mr. Phillips and our subject conducted the store together until 1906, when Mr.
Searles sold his interest to his brother-in-law and engaged in the real estate
business. He has since been interested along this line and is considered a good
judge of local properties, his advice being often sought in regard to real
estate values. He has earned a reputation for the strictest principles of
honesty and his clients are sure to receive fair dealing at his hands. It is
therefore but natural that he has built up a very substantial business. He owns
a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres, from which he derives a gratifying
income. This property is in a high state of cultivation and its improvements are
modern and in every way up-to-date.

On the 3d of August, 1889, Mr. Searles was married to Miss Ella F. Begg, of
Ellensburg, this state, and to this union two daughters have been born: Dora,
who married Fred Story, agriculturist living near Mabton; and Laura, at home.

Mr. Searles is independent in his political views, giving his support to those
candidates whom he regards as most worthy of office. He is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for the last seven years has been
secretary of Lodge No. 238. He also has membership with the Knights of Pythias.
As a business man as well as a citizen, Mr. Searles is a valuable component
part of the community of Mabton, where he has many friends, all of whom admire
him because of his straightforward dealing, his kindness of heart and his
genial, cordial manner.

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Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer.
Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.