Josephine's Daughters - edited by Jean Boling for the Josephine County Historical Soceity

Josephine's Daughters was published for the 50th anniversary of the Josephine County Historical Society.

It contains the stories of women who were born or who have lived in Josephine county over the course of more than a century.

These ladies all share a pioneering spirit and tenacity whether they were civic leaders, miners, reporters, educators, business owners, wives or mothers.

It includes the story of Josephine Rollins Ort (who Josephine county was named for), who came here with her father in 1851; she didn't stay long, but was the first white woman to live in this valley. 

You'll learn about Violet Bozarth Clements Ahlf, born in 1883; who became the first woman lawyer in Josephine county and established the Zonta Club of Grants Pass in 1947.

There's the story civic-minded Anne G. Basker who arrived in Josephine County in 1953 and help to found Rogue Community College in the 1960's, founded the Southern Oregon Resource Alliance in 1977, and was elected to the board of county commissions in 1972; she was the first woman elected to this position.  Cherryl Walker, who wrote Mrs. Basker's story said, "Her service to Josephine county is unmatched by any man or woman."

In this book you'll read about Lois Giffin Gates and Beulah May Momsen who found themselves suddenly thrust into the position of business owners;  they both met their new challenges with strength and became successful  in their new ventures.

You'll meet sure-shot Mabel Dysert Ramsey, born in 1892 at the Columbia Mine near Placer, Oregon.  She could run a hydraulic giant better than most any man, and is described as a "take-charge-and-get-it-done-lady."

Several of Josephine's Daughters came here via the Oregon Trail, including Caroline Stumbo Niday Sexton.  The 29 year-old widow fought Native Americans and helped defend Ft. Leland in 1855.  When she remarried she  signed a "Declaration of Women's Rights;" a precursor to the modern day prenuptial agreement.  She was the first woman to have signed this document in Josephine county, and possibly the first in Oregon.


Esther Bristol, who wrote her own story, arrived in Southern Oregon in 1934.  She was a reporter for the Grants Pass Daily Courier, and during World War II became its editor while most men were away fighting.  Ms. Bristol does a beautiful job of describing the scenery and events that took place during her time here.  

The ladies in Josephine's Daughters, whether they were Oregon Trail Pioneers or came later all share a love of Josephine county and contributed so much to the rich history we have today.


Josephine's Daughters can be purchased now for just $30.00

or at the Josephine Historical Society's Bookshop located in the Research Library at 512 K Street, Grants Pass; or at their Online Bookshop.