James D. Agnew, Sr.

Born March 17, 1832, Bedford, Virginia
Died December 11, 1914, Canyon County, Idaho

James Agnew came to Idaho in 1863. He is credited with helping survey the Boise town site.

It is said that he brought the first load of passengers in a stage coach to Idaho City, driving the first stage over the hill on Mores Creek, or rather he let the coach down by ropes attached to trees while the passengers walked, the grade being too steep at the time to attempt.

James served as a representative in the 1865-66 Idaho Territorial Legislature and served one term as Ada County Sheriff in 1876. In the early years of the 1900s, he worked as a guard at the Idaho State Penitentiary.

On January 31, 1866, Agnew married Francis Anvilla Call, the daughter of another Boise pioneer, George Washington Call. While Agnew operated a livery stable, Francis ran a boarding house and raised five children: William B., Olive Elizabeth, James D., Laura and Ella.

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