Walter J. Abbs arrived in Boise in 1901 and formed the firm of McGrew & Abbs, abstract researchers, mortgage lenders, and insurance agents. When his business was absorbed by the Boise Title and Trust Co. in 1906, Abbs became general manager and secretary of the new firm.[4] Abbs was an investor in Boise's Abbs Subdivision, and lots on Abbs Street and on Abbs Lane were sold as early as 1917.[5]