(Published in History of Idaho: The Gem of the Mountains Vol. 3 by James H. Hawley 1920)

John Brimberry, now living retired, making his home at 322 South Twelfth street in Nampa, was born In southern Illinois, September 12, 1860, his parents being Joseph and Mary E. (Jones) Brimberry, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in Iowa. They removed to Illinois in the early '50s, when land there was worth only twenty-five cents an acre, and the father purchased six hundred acres at that price. Both he and his wife died on the old homestead.

It was In the year 1879, when nineteen years of age, that John Brimberry left Illinois and removed westward to Kansas. He purchased a farm in Montgomery county, comprising one hundred and forty acres of land, and there carried on agricultural pursuits for seven years, after which he sold out and removed to Independence, the county seat, where he lived for one year. Having thus spent eight years in the Sunflower state, he again started westward, with Idaho as his destination, and took up a homestead five and a half miles east of Nampa. Thereon he resided for more than a quarter of a century, carefully cultivating his place during that period. At length he sold out and established his home in Nampa, purchasing a fine residence at No. 322 South Twelfth street, where he lives retired from active business, although he still buys and sells land whenever he can do so to advantage. There is perhaps no better judge of land in the state and no little of his success has been due to his judicious purchases and profitable sales.

In August, 1882, Mr. Brimberry was united in marriage to Miss Eliza H. Jones, a native of Illinois and a daughter of John Melton and Amanda (Daugherty) Jones, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. The father died in Illinois and the mother came in 1888 to Idaho, passing away at Boise in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Brimberry have become the parents of two children. Lena Pearl is the wife of Hayden Powell and the mother of one son, Eugene, now eight years of age. Laura Hazel is the wife of A. C. Gilbert and has two children, Elenore and Juanita.

Mr. Brimberry's military service covered connection with the state militia at a time when the troops were called to duty at Coeur d'Alene by Governor Steunenberg to suppress the rioters, some of whom they captured and brought to Nampa, from which point they were sent to California, where they were tried and convicted. This was just before the governor was assassinated. Mr. Brimberry has ever manifested a progressive citizenship that has prompted his active cooperation with plans and measures for the general good. He is keenly interested in the northwest and its development and his labors have constituted an important element in progress here. His business affairs, wisely and carefully conducted, have brought him success and his life record shows what can be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do and when enterprise and sagacity point out the way.

-- transcribed and contributed by Amanda Fox, Findagrave member #47429422