Multnomah County OR Archives Biographies.....Lines, William H. 1887 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 22, 2007, 11:30 pm

Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     WILLIAM H. LINES, vice-president of the Portland Electric Power Company, 
is regarded as one of the leading mechanical and electrical engineers in this 
part of the country and has been a very effective factor in the development 
and practical application of electric power in the Columbia River valley. Born 
in Rochester, New York, in 1887, he is a son of Stephen and Frances (Benham) 
Lines, both of whom still reside in New York state, the father being a retired 
shoe manufacturer.
     William H. Lines completed the course of the public school and entered 
Cornell University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Mechanical 
Engineer in 1909. He then went to work in the engineering department of the 
Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, in which he was employed until 
February, 1912, when he came to Portland as industrial engineer for the 
Portland Electric Power Company, having charge of the sale of power to 
industries. In this work he was very successful, inducing most of the large 
mills in this city to install electric power, and in this connection he also 
served as consulting engineer in the installing of the necessary equipment. 
His splendid record earned him promotion and during 1916 and 1917 he served as 
assistant to Mr. Griffith, the president of the company. He then became plant 
superintendent of the Northwestern Steel Company, in the shipbuilding 
department, in which capacity he served until 1921, when he resigned and 
bought the Champion Manufacturing Company, of which he became president, and 
devoted his attention to that concern until he sold out in 1923. He then 
became construction engineer for the Portland Electric Power Company, 
performing the duties of that position until 1926, when he was made assistant 
to the president, and in 1926 was made a vice president of the company and now 
has charge of all railroads operations. He is also a director of several 
companies affiliated with the Portland Electric Power Company. He has always 
shown clear-headed judgment and thorough technical knowledge and commands the 
unqualified confidence of all who are associated with him.
     In 1914 Mr. Lines was united in marriage to Miss Claire Houghton, of 
Portland. He is a member of the Arlington Club, the University Club and the 
Chamber of Commerce, while his political affiliation is with the republican 
party. He has shown a deep interest in everything affecting the progress and 
advancement of his community. Intelligent and well-directed effort, backed by 
sincerity of purpose and integrity of character, have characterized his career 
and he has proven well worthy of the confidence and respect which are accorded 
him by all with whom he has come in contact. 


Additional Comments:
History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Pages 289-290

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