The Laura Virginia on her way up called at Humboldt and landed passengers and cargo, then beat out, finding the two above-named vessels [J. R. Whiting and Eclipse] laying to outside. Capt. [Ottinger] gave them the bearings and put a pilot on board the J. R. Whiting, and then proceeded on to Trinity Bay, with passengers and cargo and thence to Rogue River (called by some Rogue and by others Trinity River). This river was located by Capt. O. on the 3rd of April last, and will be found to be in lat. 41 deg. 33 min. The Laura Virginia was the first vessel that passed in and out over the bar of that river, and on her return had a splendid run of only 22 hours from Cape Mendocino to San Francisco. The L.V. left at Rogue River the schr. Sierra Nevada.
"Intelligence from Trinidad," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 20, 1850, page 2


    A DISCOVERY!--Capt. Ottinger, on the Laura Virginia, has made a trip to the mouth of Rogue River. This schooner was the first vessel that ever entered the mouth of that river.
Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, August 5, 1850, page 2




    STEAM MACHINERY.--It is less than two years ago that steam power for any purpose was introduced in this valley, and the credit of its introduction is due to Messrs. Burpee & Linn, who had shipped to them from Ohio a portable steam saw mill. This was put in operation in the spring of '60, and has been kept almost constantly running in the piny woods about here ever since. McLaughlin & Williams' steam quartz mill followed; Dr. Overbeck brought the third steam boiler; next came more quartz mills and other works, until now steam machinery has become quite a feature in the place.
Semi-Weekly Gazette, Jacksonville, October 14, 1861, page 3


    The first successful quartz mining company in Josephine County commenced operations at their mill, near Mr. O. Ganiard's place, on the 22nd inst."Quartz in Josephine County," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, December 31, 1862, page 3




    The first message ever transmitted telegraphically between California and Oregon was received at the telegraph office in this city Jan. 22, by Mr. Craddock, the manager, directly from Jacksonville, to which point the line of the California State Telegraph Company has just been completed.--Marysville Express.
Placer Herald, Auburn, California, January 30, 1864, page 1


    ASHLAND FLANNEL.--Messrs. Baum & Wohlgenant have received a small invoice of the first flannel finished by the Rogue River Mfg. Co. It is heavy goods made of a fine quality of wool, and is particularly suited for men's wear.


Jan 25th 1873
    Miss Allice Wrisley came up to take up school in the district tomorrow she stopped at our house and is here now.  She is the first white girl born in Jackson County and was born in the old log cabin on Roots place twenty years ago last Christmas day. [At the time of her birth, this was the Jacob Wagner cabin inside Fort Wagner.] Her parents lives on Manzanita plains. She has not been to Wagner Creek for some years before  She is now a fine young lady. It seem curious to me that I should be so old as to remember when she was born
Diary of Welborn Beeson, Talent  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    Previous to 1865, it was thought by several different parties who had visited [Crater Lake], and so reported by them, that the edge of the water could not be reached, but in that year Captain F. B. Sprague, Co. I, 1st Oregon Infantry, with a detachment of his company, made a more thorough examination, and found one place where it is possible to clamber down to the water's edge. To Orson Stearns, Orderly Sergeant of Co. I, 1st Oregon Inf. Vols., belongs the honor of first dipping his finger in the water of this remarkable lake.
"Lake Majesty," West Shore, Portland, March 1872, page 2


    Robert B. Hargadine, of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon, died of disease of the heart at San Francisco, last Monday. He was the first man to introduce Angora goats into that section, and was a man of great enterprise. He leaves a large family in good circumstances.
Puget Sound Dispatch, Seattle, January 20, 1877, page 2


    E. K. Anderson . . . claimed the honor of having assisted in building the house occupied by the first white woman who settled in the valley, but unfortunately for him and his bachelor friends, who took such an interest in the lady's welfare, she was married and could repay not a single one of her gallant admirers with either heart or hand. Her husband's name was Wilson, and she was the daughter of Mr. Walton, of Lane County, where, it is stated, the lady now resides.
"Pioneer Reunion of Southern Oregon," Ashland Tidings, September 28, 1877, page 1


    The first test of the productiveness of the soil of Rogue River Valley was in 1852, and the exact spot where the agricultural experiment was made was on the farm now belonging to W. Beeson, on Wagner Creek. Previous to that year it had been held by many that neither the soil nor climate of Rogue River Valley was adapted to agriculture. In the spring of 1852 a few peas were planted near where Mr. Beeson now resides. In due course of time the peas produced were gathered and taken to the then mining town of Jacksonville, where they were prepared for the table by Mr. Jasper Houck, now of the Ashland House, served at a public dinner given on the 4th of July of that year. Thus was demonstrated the fact that this beautiful valley, now so noted for exhaustless fertility, was suited for the home of enlightenment and the product of the fruits of civilization.
"Pioneer Reunion of Southern Oregon," Ashland Tidings, September 28, 1877, page 1  1852 was before the Beesons same to Southern Oregon.


    Editor Tidings:--Permit me through the columns of your paper to correct a statement made by Gen. J. E. Ross in his speech at the Pioneer Reunion at Ashland, Sept. 13, in regard to his being the first man married in Rogue River Valley. Mr. Ross is mistaken, for N. C. Dean and Anna Huston were the first. They were married by Rev. Mr. Gilbert, Nov. 15th, 1852. No one knows this better than Mrs. Ross, for she was a bridesmaid. Her name then was Hopwood. J. E. Ross was one of the invited guests, I understand, but failed to make his appearance. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were not married until Jan. 7 or 8, 1853. Yours,
Ashland Tidings, October 5, 1877, page 3


    In the winter of 1852-3 John E. Ross married Elizabeth Hopwood, the first wedding ever in the town of Jacksonville.
John E. Ross, "Narrative of an Indian Fighter," Bancroft Library MSS P-A 63, 1878   N. C. Dean and Anna Huston--see above--may have been married in Willow Springs, where Dean lived.


    Arriving at Rogue River Valley [L. J. C. Duncan] found Long's ferry, established in 1851 by Mr. Long during the excitement at Josephine Creek. At this ferry was built the first house in Rogue River Valley, and this was the first settlement. It is now known as Vannoy's ferry, Vannoy having bought out Mr. Long.
Legrand J. C. Duncan, "Settlement in Southern Oregon," Bancroft Library MSS P-A 27


    The next morning [after the Table Rock Treaty of September 10, 1853] I opened in due form the United States District Court for the County of Jackson--the first court that was ever held in Oregon south of the Umpqua--and the word of the law superseded the edge of the sword.
Matthew P. Deady, Transactions of the Oregon Pioneer Association, 1883, "Southern Oregon Names and Events," pages 24


    M. G. Foisy, of Gervais, died suddenly at his house on the 11th. He was the first printer to set type in Oregon.
"State News," Ashland Tidings, June 20, 1879, page 2


    John Boyer, at the express office in this place, last week had for sale some fine oysters, which came all the way from the East via the N.P.R.R., packed in ice. This is the first shipment of the kind ever made here.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 18, 1883, page 3  The railroad had not yet reached Jacksonville in December 1883. The oysters were probably picked up at the Grants Pass depot.


    On June 15, 1845, [John B. Wrisley] married Eliza Jane Jacobs, by whom he has raised ten children, the eldest daughter, Mrs. Alice Goddard, being the first white child born in the Rogue River Valley.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 544  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    Gen. [James C.] Tolman crossed the Siskiyous into Rogue River Valley with a portion of the train, arriving the last of August, and bringing the first families to the valley from across the plains direct [i.e., not by way of California or Oregon City].
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, pages 541-542


    In January, 1853, [John E. Ross] married Elizabeth Hopwood, this being the first marriage in Jacksonville; the ceremony was performed by a Methodist preacher by the name of Gilbert.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, pages 538-539


    The year 1861 will be ever memorable as the period when a great dissension between two vast sections of the country threatened the dismemberment of the nation. The consequence was that, in many places throughout the Coast, military regiments were organized for the emergency that was expected to arise at any moment. Among other organizations of this character, the 1st Oregon cavalry was raised, and [John Marshall McCall] was the first to respond.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, pages 533-534


    In 1861 [Reuben F. Maury] raised first regiment Oregon cavalry.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 505


    In 1865 [B. F. Dowell] bought the Oregon Sentinel, which, under his administration, was the first Pacific Slope paper to advocate the enfranchisement of the negroes, and the first to nominate General Grant for the Presidency.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, pages 525-526


    [James W. Collins] claims to have sown the first grain in Jackson County, and erected the first frame house, the one now on the Gordon ranch.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 521


    Mr. [Thomas McF.] Patton located in Jacksonville and in that year was elected to the office of county judge, he being the first to fill that position in Jackson County. . . .
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 521


    Mr. [William] Hoffman was first county auditor of Jackson County, and has ever since held some office of trust.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 521


    [Henry Klippel] mined first at Galice Creek, Josephine County, but soon returned to Rich Gulch where he engaged principally in mining until 1857, after which time he followed various occupations until 1860, when the Gold Hill mine was struck.  He then gave this mine his entire attention and put up on that mine the first quartz mill built in Oregon.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, page 530


    As additional evidence of the enterprising character of [William Cortez Myer] we record the fact that to him belongs the credit of introducing to Rogue River Valley the first gang plow, the first improved Haines header and the first screw pulverizer; and to him and his brother Frank the first horse fork for hoisting and stacking hay. 
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, Comprising Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Curry and Coos Counties, 1884, pages 534-535


    Jacksonville should have been called "Jim." Three Jims first discovered gold there, respectively Jim Clugage, Jim Poole and Jim Cinnor, and the first white child  born there was Jim McCully.
Daniel F. Fisher, "Pioneer Names," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 4, 1884, page 2  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    The town of Medford is building up right along. The first birth occurred there last week. . . .
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, January 19, 1884, page 3


    Mr. A. S. Johnson receipted for the first lot of freight delivered at Medford, consisting of a fine lot of fruit trees.
    Every vehicle in town was brought into use last Sunday to take passengers to Medford to witness the arrival of the first passenger train there. An immense crowd had congregated when it arrived.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 1, 1884, page 3


    I found Wm. H. Breese, recently from Iowa, is building a blacksmith shop [in Talent] almost on the identical spot where poor old Jim Clarkson of Yreka had the first blacksmith shop in all this county.
"Reminiscences of Old Days," Ashland Tidings, October 31, 1884


    The first boy born in Medford arrived at the house of G. W. Crystal recently.
"Olla Podrida," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 20, 1885, page 2


    The wife of George W. Crystal presented him with a bouncing baby boy not long since, the first born in Medford.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, March 21, 1885, page 3


    John B. Wrisley, born in Middlebury, Vt. in 1819, removed to New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where he married Eliza Jane Jacobs of Iowa Co., in 1843. He came to California in 1849, and to Rogue River Valley in 1852. His daughter Alice was the first white girl born in the valley. She married C. Goddard of Medford, Jackson Co. Wrisley voted for the state constitutions of Wisconsin, California, and Oregon; has been active in politics, but always rejected office.
Hubert Howe Bancroft, History of Oregon, 1886, page 713   Alice Wrisley was born December 25, 1853. Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    An old pioneer wants to know who was the first white child born in Jackson County--whether it was Frank Rogers, Walter Gore or James McCully. Who can tell?
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, February 26, 1886, page 3


    THE FIRST.—An old pioneer in the Tidings wants to know who was the first boy born in Jackson County and mentions several between whom honors are about even. We cannot answer the question only that J. C. McCully was the first born in Jacksonville, dating his birthday from August 1853, and we’ll think he is entitled to the cake until otherwise proven.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 27, 1886, page 3  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    If Brad Dean was born in 1851 we will bet our old hat that he did not first see daylight in a cabin at Willow Springs, notwithstanding the Times has twice stated this to be the fact. He has a young competitor for the office of Sheriff, also a Jackson County boy, and we fail to see the object of trying to make Brad several years older than he is.
"Local Items," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 22, 1886, page 3


    In 1852 [the T'Vault family] removed to Rogue River Valley and shortly after settled on the Dardanelles farm on Rogue River, the first family that settled on a farm in this valley. In 1855 Col. T'Vault came to Jacksonville and began the publication of the Oregon Sentinel, the first paper published in this valley.
"In Memoriam," Oregon Sentinel, June 12, 1886, page 2




    We plead for the payment for the property destroyed belonging to Martin Angel, who left the bluegrass of Kentucky to join Dr. Whitman in 1842 and settled on the bunchgrass of Oregon. His wife left Canada when a child, under the guardian care of a learned physician who in the same year stretched his tent in Oregon City, two thousand miles west of any white settlement, and when the gold mines were discovered in southern Oregon they became the first settlers of Rogue River Valley.
B. F. Dowell, The Heirs of George W. Harris, 1888, page 52


    The first J. L. Case 10-horsepower self-steering traction engine operated in this valley was sold by Wm. Gates to Messrs. McQueen & Curry, the enterprising threshers, on the 8th inst. The engine works like a charm and enables the machine to reset and remove with great facility, thereby saving much expense in handling straw, as well as in stacking.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 16, 1888, page 3


    The foundation for Adkins & Webb's new three-story brick is completed, and the brick masons are at work. It will be a handsome structure and a credit to Medford--the first three-story business house in the city.
"Medford Items," Ashland Tidings, September 14, 1888, page 3


    Mr. [Henry] Klippel was the pioneer of quartz mining, having built the first stamp mill at Gold Hill, Oregon, in 1860; and in 1880 he engaged in hydraulic mining on a large scale at Squaw Lake. . . . He was the first recorder of Jacksonville.
Elwood Evans, History of the Pacific Northwest: Oregon and Washington, 1889, page 414


    Chas. W. Logan, the photographer, took two views of the ballroom and dancers Tuesday night with the calcium light, and will have them ready soon. This is the first of the kind yet taken on the coast, although the interior of theaters in the East have been photographed successfully, and if the pictures turn out as expected, Charley may justly feel proud of this job. Several views of the interior of the hall were taken Wednesday, also.
"The K.P. Ball," Valley Record, Ashland, February 21, 1889, page 3


    Medford rejoices over the flowing of water through its new irrigating canal, which taps Bear Creek about two miles above the town. The water was turned into the ditch last week for the first time.
"Brevities," Ashland Tidings, May 3, 1889, page 3


    To Bro. [Martin] Peterson also belongs the honor of organizing the first Christian Church in Southern Oregon.


    C. H. Wallace, the contractor, last week returned to Medford, after completing a fine two-story brick at Junction City, in the Willamette Valley. Mr. W. built the first brick edifices in Eugene, Cottage Grove, Creswell and Junction.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, December 12, 1889, page 3


    [Harrison B. Oatman] also established the first store in Phoenix, which he successfully conducted for some time.
H. V. Scott, History of Portland, Oregon, 1890, pages 617-619


    The first marriage solemnized in Jacksonville mining camp was that of Mr. Ross and Miss Elizabeth Hopwood, in January 1853.
Obituary for John England Ross, Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 20, 1890, page 4


    To all those who were at the first public dinner ever given in Southern Oregon, on August 4th, 1852, in honor of Captain Lamerick and the brave boys who came back victorious from the first Indian skirmish in Southern Oregon, at that table, which fairly groaned under the load of plain substantials of the early days, where champagne flowed as did the spirits of the boys, and toasts and songs were given by the happy boys, although clad in buckskin and well mounted with the crude implements of war--please come forward and give us a shake of your old trusty hand.
"Pioneer Reunion," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 29, 1890, page 2


    I recall that as late as August, 1857, Colonel John D. Fry and myself made the first journey from Salem to Rogue River that had ever been traveled in a top buggy, and in stopping at roadside hospitable farm houses of nights--there were no hotels or taverns--the trouble was to prevent the children of the household from climbing in the buggy and working open and shut the lifting and closing top.
James O'Meara, "Our Pioneer History," Oregonian, Portland, November 9, 1890, page 16


    The late Henry R. Brown had the distinction of having brought the first set of blacksmith's tools into the county from the north by pack train, and for a long time the miners were in the habit of repairing to his shop to have their picks sharpened in early days.
"Here and There," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, July 3, 1891, page 3


    Twins were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Gage in this city Monday. All are reported doing well. This pair of newcomers have the honor of being the first twins ever born in Medford. [Raymond] Crystal, now eight years old, was the first child ever born in this city.
"Local News," Medford Mail, January 21, 1892, page 2  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    Chas. Wall and Mr. Gray of Flounce Rock precinct are engaged in the dairy business and will manufacture a large quantity of superior butter and cheese in the near future. This is the first enterprise of the kind in Southern Oregon, and it should be liberally patronized. They wish to engage the services of a trustworthy man to milk their cows.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, February 12, 1892, page 3


"Table Rock Legend," Ashland Tidings, April 22, 1892, page 1


    Mr. [John B.] Wrisley with his family wintered at Fort Wagner that winter [1852-53], and there his daughter, Alice, was born, being the first white girl born in the present limits of Jackson County.
Welborn Beeson, "A Fourth of July Reminiscence," Ashland Tidings, July 22, 1892, page 2  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    The previous winter [1851-52] there had been an extraordinary fall of snow. According to John B. Wrisley's account the snow fell over two feet deep where the town of Talent now is and deeper in proportion higher up the creek. Mr. Wrisley, with his family, wintered at Fort Wagner that winter, and there his daughter, Alice, was born, being the first white girl born in the present limits of Jackson County. She is now the relict of the late Carlos Goddard.
Welborn Beeson, "A Fourth of July Remembrance," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 5, 1892, page 1  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    Mrs. Mary Vining of Ashland has the honor of having taught the first school in Jackson County. She taught in a school house on the creek that runs past the house that Mr. A. Gordon now lives in a few miles southeast of Jacksonville.
Welborn Beeson, "Pioneer Schools in the Valley," Ashland Tidings, September 16, 1892, page 2


    The Express says Capt. O. C. Applegate and Gilbert Anderson made a circuit of Crater Lake by land, the first time it was ever known to be done.

    The first halftone photograph printed in a Rogue Valley newspaper may be the ad printed on page 4 of the December 2, 1892 Ashland Tidings.


    Died, near Althouse, Or., on Oct. 4th, 1892, Prof. J. B. Farley, a native of Ireland, aged about 70 years, says the Grants Pass Courier. Prof. Farley was the first teacher to take charge of a school in Jackson County, and was remarkably proficient in mathematics. His death occurred at the residence of K. S. Keffer.
"Local and General," Southern Oregon Mail, October 21, 1892, page 3


    Captain [Thomas Smith was] the first settler in Oregon south of Wagner Creek. . . .
"The Late Capt. Thos. Smith," Valley Record, Ashland, November 17, 1892, page 1


    Mrs. [Mary E. Miller] Dean was the first white child born north of the Rogue River in Jackson County.
Rev. H. K. Hines, An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893, pages 409-410  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    [B. F. Miller] was married in Polk County, May 14, 1857, to Margaret J. Sutton, native of Illinois, daughter of Captain John Sutton, of Morgan County, Illinois, who first came to Oregon in 1851, and returned in 1852 for his family. They have three living children and three deceased; those living are: Mary E., now the wife of D. W. Dean, ex-Sheriff of Jackson County. Mrs. Dean was the first white child born north of the Rogue River in Jackson County.
Rev. H. K. Hines, An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon, 1893, pages 409-410


    David Linn, one of the oldest residents in Jacksonville and at present mayor, was appointed county treasurer in the place of Geo. E. Bloomer removed. Mr. Linn's bondsmen are C. C. Beekman, C. W. Kahler and Dr. Geo. DeBar. Jackson County was organized and its first county officers elected in 1853. Dr. E. H. Cleaveland was elected its first treasurer and resigned in a few months when Mr. Linn was appointed and held the office continuously, with the exception of one term when E. S. Morgan was elected for twelve years. There was no fixed salary at that time, the treasurer receiving two percent for receiving and two for disbursing any and all moneys that came into his hands. Mr. Bloomer is the first defaulter in the county since its organization.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 11, 1893, page 3


    On Sept. 20, 1849 [Mary Gilmour Rose] was married to Mr. E. E. Gore, and with him crossed the plains, coming to this coast. They left Charleston, Iowa April 27, 1852, and arrived in the Rogue River Valley Sept. 27th of the same year. For a time their residence was in Jacksonville, Or., where Dec. 3, 1852, Walter S. Gore was born; he being the first white male child born in Jackson County.
"In Memoriam," Medford Mail, October 27, 1893, page 3  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    A very successful surgical operation was performed in Medford last Monday, it being that of the removal of an ovarian tumor from Mrs. Wm. Turner. The operating surgeon being Dr. E. P. Geary of this city, assisted by Drs. J. B. Wait and J. S. Parsons, of Medford and Ashland. The tumor weighed forty-two pounds and had been two years in attaining this growth. This is the first operation of the kind which has ever been performed in Southern Oregon, and because that it is proving to be so successful an one is a matter in which much credit is due the operators.
"All the Local News," Medford Mail, February 2, 1894, page 3


    The electric light lit up the town Monday [August 27] for the first time.
"Medford Items," Valley Record, Ashland, August 30, 1894, page 3


    Mrs. JANE McCULLY of Jacksonville left Wednesday morning for San Diego, where she will spend the winter. Mrs. McCully is one of the very earliest settlers of the valley, her son, James, being the first white child born in Jackson County.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, November 9, 1894, page 3  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    This issue of the Mail is the first paper ever printed in Medford on a cylinder press. The much-talked-of new machine is here and is doing good execution.
Medford Mail, November 23, 1894, page 2


    Dr. E. B. Pickel, of Medford, Ore., was the first doctor in Oregon to use antitoxin in a case of diphtheria, securing a supply of the product from Dr. Mingus, of this city.
"Personals," The Medical Sentinel, Portland, 1895, page 207


    NEW IN OREGON.--Times: The company in which Judge Reid, W. W. Milner and C. O. White of Tacoma are interested started operations at their mines near Tolo this week. The steam pumping apparatus, which furnishes a fine supply of water from Rogue River, works to perfection and inaugurates a new system of mining.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, April 6, 1895, page 219




    The first registered letter which came to the [Medford post] office was entered upon the register book by Miss Nettie L. Howard, she who is now Mrs. B. S. Webb. This was in April, '84. J. S. Howard was the first postmaster, and it was in '85 that the town was incorporated.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, February 21, 1896, page 5

    The small building to the left in the above cut was Medford's first school house. It was built in the [spring] of 1884 by W. F. Williamson, which gentleman was the first teacher. The building was 16x20 feet in size and had a seating capacity of thirty pupils. The building was built on [South Central] Street and is now owned by Mrs. Smith, and is the residence in which Druggist C. C. Chitwood resides. [The building survives to this day as part of the former Yellow Submarine sandwich shop at 135 South Central.] It was built in '84 as a place of worship as well as school purposes. The first sermon ever preached in the town was in this building and by Rev. [Moses] A. Williams, Presbyterian. Two weeks later Rev. Martin Peterson, Christian, held services in the same building. The first school directors were J. S. Howard, D. H. Miller and [C. W.] Broback; J. L. Johnson, clerk.
Medford Mail, March 6, 1896, page 1


    Thursday evening the Lewiston Tribune office was visited by . . . E. J. Northcutt. In Northcutt's own picturesque verbiage he is 66 years old; on last New Year's Day he buried his third wife; his first wife was the first white single woman in the Rogue River Valley of Oregon. . . .
"Frontier Life Forty Years Ago," Big Timber Pioneer, Big Timber, Montana, May 28, 1896, page 2


    Mrs. J. H. Wilson and her daughters Laura and Garnett and son Melvin, together with Noah Lyon, left Medford last week for Crescent City there to remain for a month or six weeks. The trip is made principally in hopes of improving Mrs. Wilson's health, which has not been the best during the past few months. J. J. Owing, of Crescent City, who has been visiting here some several weeks, returned with them. Mr. Owing was formerly a photographer in Medford--the first one Medford ever had--and 'twas several years ago.
"News of the City," Medford Mail, August 28, 1896, page 7


    A twelve-year-old daughter of the late Carlos Goddard arrived Monday from Boise City, Idaho, to visit with her aunts and uncles, Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Dean and the Goddard Bros. This young lady is the youngest child of Mrs. Alice Goddard, née Wrisley, whom all the pioneers recognize as the first white girl baby born in Jackson County. The lady is married again and lives in Idaho.
"Talent Whispers," Medford Mail, October 30, 1896, page 3  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    M. B. Miller, a Southern Oregon pioneer who opened the first store in Jacksonville, was on Tuesday's train for Pomona, Cal., from Spokane, Wash.
"Personal and Social," Valley Record, Ashland, September 30, 1897, page 3


    Jas. Stewart is our new justice of the peace. He is the youngest man ever elected to fill a public office in Jackson County, being a few months over 21 years of age.
"Medford Squibs," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, June 9, 1898, page 2


    Last year was the first time of holding the fair in Medford, and against heavy odds was the enterprise carried through. Not only had the track to be made, but buildings of all kinds, including the pavilion, built; and not until one week before the date for opening of the fair was the foundation for the latter laid.           
"A Letter," Medford Mail, September 5, 1898, page 2


    Work has been commenced on Gold Hill's first brick building, which will be a handsome and commodious structure. The I.O.O.F. and C. H. Dalrymple are having it constructed.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 22, 1898, page 3


    The Medford-Jacksonville shortline now has a headlight in which acetylene gas is used as the lighting agent. This is undoubtedly the first railroad in the United States to adopt this gas for headlight purposes.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 14, 1898, page 7


    The first piano made on the Pacific Coast, for James Lick of the Lick House, of San Francisco, was built of this mountain laurel. It is a wood as hard as mahogany, takes an equally high polish, but finishes somewhat darker.
Max Pracht, "Madrona and Manzanita," The New Mexican, Santa Fe, April 27, 1899, page 3


    Edison's latest flashlight machine, showing moving pictures, will appear at the U.S. Hall Wednesday evening. This is one of the latest and best machines of the kind, and combined with a $500 talking machine, the largest on the Pacific Coast. Prices of admission, 25 and 15 cents.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 15, 1899, page 3   This may have been the first motion picture showing in Southern Oregon.


    The husband of the late Jackson County pioneer, Mrs. J. M. McCully, built the second brick building that was put up in Jacksonville; the Brunner brick, across from the Odd Fellows brick, being the first.
Ashland Tidings, June 26, 1899, page 3


    Mr. Myer enjoys the distinction of having brought the first gang plow to Southern Oregon, as well as the first one of the hay carriers, now so common in farm barns.
"W. C. Myer," Oregonian, Portland, September 8, 1899, page 6


    [The circus parade] was a fine presentation of many things beautiful. There were four bands and a calliope. The Vermont farmer driving his trained pigs and he riding in the little cart was one of the funny features of the parade, while the automobile, or horseless carriage, was one of the most interesting.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 15, 1899, page 7    This was apparently the first automobile to visit the Rogue Valley. It escaped the notice of the other valley newspapers.


    In the summer of 1852 a partial survey of the town was made by H. Klippel & some of the streets named. The town was named Jacksonville by vote--the admirers of General Jackson outnumbering those who wanted to call it Annville in honor of Mrs. Lawless--the first white woman & landlady of the first boarding house in the place.
    The first sermon was preached by a Methodist minister named Jos. Smith in the famous "round tent," a gambling house & saloon. The first newspaper published in Southern Oregon was by Col. W. G. T'Vault in November 1855. The Sterling mine was discovered by Jim Sterling on election day June 1853. And the place took his name, though there never was any regularly laid-out town. The mines are still worked with hydraulic, and yield 100,000 dollars a year--approximated.
    Ashland: The first house [was] built by Hargadine & Pease on their land claim on the 6th of January. The 2nd building was the sawmill built by Eber Emery, [J. B.] Emery, J. A. Cardwell and Dowd Hurley, completed June 16th 1852, cost 8000 dollars, named Ashland Sawmill, in honor of A. D. Helman's former home (Ashland, Ohio), whose dwelling house was the 3rd building. The Ashland flouring mill, built by A. D. Helman, Morris & Co. was completed in October 1854 & dedicated by a grand ball, was the first mill. But the Eagle Mill, built by Thomas Brothers, was finished before the year closed. J. W. Collins claims to have raised the first grain in the valley, on the "Gordon place" about five miles from Jacksonville, which he located on in February 1852.
    The first wedding in the county was on Nov. 15th 1852, N. C. Dean to Miss
Ann Huston, just arrived across the plains.
    Josephine Co. was organized from a portion of Jackson Co. by act of the Legislature which took effect in Jan. 1856. The first court was held at Waldo in the fall of 1856, Judge M. P. Deady presiding. The county was named for Miss Josephine Rollins, who is believed to be the first white woman, her father being a miner on Josephine Creek in 1851. Mining was done in Josephine Co. a year earlier than in Jackson.
    The first houses built in Jackson Co. were at the three ferries on Rogue River, Long's, Evans' and Perkins' & were fortified to resist Indian attacks, early in the summer of 1851.
    An Indian war raged for about two months that summer. A treaty was made in August, and Judge A. A. Skinner sent out here as Indian agent. Immediately on his arrival--in September perhaps--he located a donation land claim, which location was followed almost simultaneously by T'Vault, Ambrose, Dean, Hopwood, Colver, Tom Smith, P. Dunn, Barron, Russell &c.
    By Christmas more than 20 men had settled on their farms. But no women
were here to winter.
    In the early springtime of 1852 the families began to come. First Mrs. Lawless then T'Vault family, Ambrose, Dairy, Hopwood, Griffin, Rice, Angel, Evans, McCully & families were all here by July 1852 to settle on the farms located the previous fall.
Mrs. R. M. McDonough and Elizabeth T'Vault Kenney, letter of November 26, 1899.  Much of this is cribbed, with additions, from Walling's history of Southern Oregon.


    The first gold dredger in Southern Oregon is being operated by the English-Canadian Co., at Faun's mine, on the Illinois River, near Waldo.
"Oregon," Mining and Scientific Press, San Francisco, December 2, 1899, page 639


    The first sawmill was located on Ashland Creek. It was built by E. Emery & Helman. The first flouring mill was also located on Ashland Creek and is still in operation. Joseph Smith was the first preacher in Jacksonville.
David Linn, letter of December 25, 1899




    Mrs. Anna Dean, who died at the family residence at Willow Springs, Wednesday night, October 24th, was the first white woman married in Rogue River Valley.
Medford Mail, November 2, 1900


    The new bell for the Presbyterian Church, which arrived a few days ago, was put in the belfry Monday. Well may the people feel proud of this, the first church bell in Phoenix.
"Phoenix Items," Medford Mail, March 22, 1901, page 3


    Last Sunday morning the little 5-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, who live some two miles above the fish hatchery on Rogue River, while playing along the river bank fell in and was drowned before help could reach her [omission] body all that day and night, but it remained for Supt. Berrian of the hatchery and Geo. Weeks to find her. The body was found in a drift near Trail post office, some six miles below where she fell in the river, Monday, about 11 o'clock a.m. As near as can be learned this is the first body ever recovered from the waters of upper Rogue River. The parents were but recent arrivals in that part of the country and are prostrated over their great loss.
"Drowned in Rogue River," Medford Enquirer, May 11, 1901, page 1


    W. F. Williamson, formerly of Medford, and the first school teacher . . . in this man's town, came up from his home in Norwalk, Calif., last week for a few days' visit with relatives and friends, returning Tuesday morning.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, May 17, 1901, page 6


    Fleming Bros. gave a very pleasing and satisfactory entertainment with their Edison Waragraph Tuesday evening, at the U.S. hall.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, May 24, 1901, page 3


    R. T. Lawton, the gentleman who opened the first real estate office in Medford--14 years ago--has decided to again engage in the same line of business, including insurance.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, June 14, 1901, page 6


    Patrick Dunn, an aged and highly respected pioneer of Jackson County, died at Ashland Monday. Deceased was several times elected to office and was the first Republican official ever elected in the county.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, August 2, 1901, page 7


    Dan Cawley, the pioneer stage driver, died at Yreka, Calif. Oct. 15th, of neuralgia of the heart. He drove the first and last stage over Scott Mountain, which was on the route from Portland to Sacramento in early days.
"Jacksonville News," Medford Mail, November 1, 1901, page 3


    Henry Judge, one of the pioneer business men of Jackson County, has disposed of his harness shop and real estate in Ashland and will remove with his family to San Francisco. Mr. Judge opened the first harness shop in Jackson County, at Jacksonville in 1859.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, December 20, 1901, page 7


    W. F. Hunter, the civil engineer and draftsman who is in Medford at work upon maps for Dr. Ray's Gold Hill mining company, is turning out some very fine work .The gentleman was detailed last fall to make a correct map of Rogue River from its source to its mouth. He started out upon his trip in a small boat with one assistant, and in thirty-two days he had made the entire trip. While en route his assistant quit, and he was compelled to pick up another man for the remainder of the trip, which change of help gives Mr. Hunter the distinction of having been the first man who ever traversed the entire length of the stream.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, February 7, 1902, page 7


    George Ross, brother of the late Col. John E. Ross, a Jackson County pioneer of '52, died at the home of his daughter in Washington on the 26th of February . . . He was the first white man to look upon the sunken waters of Crater Lake. He was out with a party of twelve searching for a young woman who escaped the massacre at Bloody Point, Klamath County, where a train of immigrants was killed by Modocs in 1852, but who, it was afterwards learned, had been killed a short time after the capture.
"Death of a Southern Oregon Pioneer," Medford Mail, March 14, 1902, page 2


    H. G. Fairclo, of Ashland, has made arrangements to move his family to Medford in August and place his three children in the Academy. Mr. Fairclo taught the first private school in Medford, fifteen years ago, in the brick building which has since been remodeled for the Jackson County Bank.
"Academy Notes," Medford Mail, March 28, 1902, page 3


    [In 1855] Col. T'Vault was postmaster at Dardanelles and Mrs. [Elizabeth] Kenney was deputy. She is therefore no doubt the first woman postmaster in Oregon, and as her father was absent most of the time at Jacksonville on business, she had the whole responsibility of the business.
W. J. Plymale, "Scraps of Early History," Medford Mail, May 17, 1902, page 2


    Mr [Alfred] Gordon was one of the first settlers of Southern Oregon, and it was he that built the first frame house in Jackson County, having shipped the material around Cape Horn.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, May 17, 1902, page 6


    The Rebekahs held another interesting session Tuesday evening A number of guests were invited to attend the social part of the evening. The latest craze game of Ping Pong was introduced in Medford for the first tine and promises to have many followers.
"Medford," Valley Record, Ashland, June 19, 1902, page 3




    A special from Phoenix Tuesday evening says Richard Payne was instantly killed by a bolt of lightning. This is the first death by this means that is on record in this valley.
"Pioneer Killed by Lightning," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, August 14, 1902, page 1


    The first mining in Oregon was at Big Bar, near Rock Point, on Rogue River, in Jackson County, in 1850. This was in the middle of May, and the first placer mining in Southern Oregon. The diggings did not prove good, and the prospectors went down Rogue River until they came to a small stream since called Applegate Creek. Not finding gold in paying quantities on this creek, they followed the creek to its head, crossed the Siskiyou Range into California, and came down to what at that time was called the Big Bar, on Klamath River. At this point they worked for two weeks. Not being satisfied here with the diggings, which paid one-half of an ounce per day, the party went down Klamath River until it came to a small stream which was named Indian Creek, many Indians camping there. We prospected this creek to its head; but not finding sufficient gold to pay, we crossed the Siskiyou Mountains again into Oregon, and what is known now as Josephine County. We discovered a river which we followed down until it went into a canyon. We named this river Illinois, it running through Illinois Valley.
Luther Hasbrouck, "Discovery of Gold in Southern Oregon," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, August 24, 1902, page 21    Hasbrouck was a member of the party that mined on Big Bar in 1850, discovering Sailor Diggings the next year.


    Probably the first automobile seen in Southern Oregon passed through the valley one day last week. In it were Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Carmack of Seattle, who are making the trip to San Francisco. They attracted much attention.
"Local Notes," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 25, 1902, page 1  An auto visited with a circus in 1899, above.


    Rev. T. F. Royal . . . established the first school here--a subscription school--also, six Sunday schools in different parts of the valley; the Clinton Butte Sunday school, on the Clinton donation land claim now owned by the Hanleys being the first established in this section by a Baptist missionary.
"Early Church Days," Medford Mail, October 10, 1902, page 3


    Last week these columns said G. H. Howland had left for a visit to Minnesota. The gentleman didn't go--got "cold feet," as it were, thinking of the below-zero weather in the aforesaid-mentioned eastern state and decided to call the trip off, for a time at least. As a matter of fact, Mr. Howland's trip was postponed because of the illness of the parties in the East with whom he expected to do business. The mistake the Mail made was due wholly to the fact that Mr. Howland did not make different arrangements until after the paper was on the press. It was the first mistake the Mail ever made.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 10, 1902, page 7


    The first carload of lumber from the Iowa Lumber Co.'s mill arrived in Medford via the Rogue River Valley Railway on Tuesday. It appeared first-class in quality, was of mixed sizes, principally heavy pieces, and consigned to Gold Hill.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 31, 1902, page 7


    D. H. Miller, one of our hardware merchants, has the distinction of being the occupant of one building for the greatest length of time. He has sold hardware over the counters in the Hamlin block since 1886. It was Mr. Miller who occupied the first business house that was built in the city. The date was way back in '83, and the building is now standing on the corner of Eighth and D streets and is occupied by the Palm-Whitman cigar factory.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, October 31, 1902, page 7


    On the Beeson place is a rose tree, or bush, which is still alive, and which blooms in season, that was the first rose bush brought to the valley, it have been brought here in '54 by a son of Jason Lee, the noted early-day missionary.
"Additional Local," Medford Mail, November 21, 1902, page 6


    Therefore, we hope that the company which has hold of the Bowden property now will be successful in their undertaking, and near the place where the fabulously rich Gold Hill pocket was taken out, the first quartz mining ever done in Jackson County will open a new era of mining in this section and demonstrate the fact that the gold is in the mountains of Southern Oregon, if you but go deep enough to find it.
"A Big Mining Deal," Medford Mail, November 28, 1902, page 2


    Ed. Riddle, of Ashland, was in Medford a few days since, on a visit to his brother-in-law, D. W. Crosby. Mr. Riddle is probably the pioneer printer of Medford, having officiated as "devil" on the Southern Oregon Transcript, the first paper published in this burg. [Medford's first newspaper was the Medford Monitor.]
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, November 28, 1902, page 6


    Hon. J. H. Stewart during the past week received a fine automobile, and with E. D. Elwood enjoys the honor of being the Southern Oregon pioneer in that line.
"Brief Mention," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 13, 1903, page 2


    Mr. [William Cortez Myer] also earned the distinction of being the first to introduce gang plows, improved headers and other labor-saving farm machinery in the Rogue River Valley.
"Death of a Well-Known Pioneer," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, May 27, 1903, page 1


    Led by Superintendent Arant, Eva, Minnie, Harding and Eddie walk down a narrow and dangerous trail to the level of [Crater Lake]. Harding and Eddie go in for a swim. According to Mr. Arant they are the first white men who have ever ventured to do this.
"Councilman B. C. Cuvellier Tells of Trip," Oakland Tribune, August 10, 1903, page 12


    A leading feature of the Crater Lake outing under W. G. Steel was the successful climb of Mount Scott, a little-known mountain near the border of the lake, which towers up to somewhere near the height of Mount St. Helens, 9122 feet. Under the leadership of Messrs. Fred and Oscar Kiser, who are perhaps the most daring and successful cliff climbers in the Northwest, a little party of five made the ascent, this party including the first women, it is believed, to make the summit of the peak. . . .
    The view of Crater Lake from the summit of Mount Scott outrivals any that has hitherto been known. The camera was therefore leveled at it in good earnest. The view commanded the entire lake, with the morning light still upon it, the marvelous reflections which are so distinguishing a feature of the lake and which can be seen only at certain hours being plainly visible. Panoramic views commonly seen of Crater Lake are made from a series of plates, and are not, therefore, correct in perspective, whereas a photograph taken from Mount Scott being upon a single plate is absolutely true to nature. As this is the first photograph ever taken from the summit of Mount Scott, everyone who is interested in Crater Lake is on the qui vive to see the finished picture.
"New View of Crater Lake," Medford Mail, August 28, 1903, page 1


    Crowds of people are stopping in front of the show windows of J. K. Gill of Portland to see the beautiful display of Crater Lake views that were obtained by the Kiser brothers on their trip with the Steel party. Many of the pictures have been enlarged and show the country around the natural wonder in a most magnificent manner. One of the pictures shows the entire lake, and it is the only one that has ever been taken on one plate. This was taken from the top of Mount Scott.
"Crater Lake Pictures," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, September 9, 1903, page 4


    To Mr. and Mrs. Emerson E. Gore is due the honor of being the parents of the first white baby boy born within the limits of the present town of Jacksonville, so far as records now to be had show, their son Walter Gore, now residing near Phoenix, having been born December 3, 1852, while they were residing in the little shake house in the north part of town.
Jacksonville Sentinel, October 16, 1903, page 1  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    The enterprise of [Alfred Weeks] seems to have been handed down to his sons, for one of them came to Oregon at an early day and started the first fruit ranch of any size in the Rogue River Valley.
"Alfred Weeks," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 727-728


    [Samuel Grubb] assisted in laying out all of the roads of this part of the state, and helped to organize the first schoolhouse in this vicinity
"Daniel Walker," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 728-729


    In 1867 a location was made in the Willamette Valley, Ore., where [Job R. Tozer] wintered and the following year, located permanently in Ashland, where he followed contracting and building up to a recent date, being now practically retired. After erecting a number of residences, he started a planing mill, which was among the first in that section.
"Job R. Tozer," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 302-305


    The Ashland Tidings was established as a weekly paper in June, 1876. being founded by James Sutton, a prominent journalist of Southern Oregon, and was the first newspaper published in Ashland.
"Fred D. Wagner," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 558-561


    A week ago tonight I had the pleasure of attending a "sheet and pillow case" party, at the residence of Mr. B. F. Dowell, in Jacksonville. This was the first party of the kind ever given in Jackson County, and to say that it proved a perfect success is not necessary.
"Sheet and Pillow Case Party," Ashland Tidings, November 16, 1876, page 3


    In 1882 [Henry Thornton] was elected to represent Josephine County in the state legislature, being the first Republican elected in the county. . . .
"Henry Thornton," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 550-551


    To [Orson Avery Stearns] belongs the credit of raising the first peach ever raised in Jackson County, where fruit is now both plentiful and of such luscious quality as to gain widespread fame. . . . He was the first delegate to a political convention from this section of the state, being a representative of the Republican soldier vote at Fort Klamath March 16, 1866, held at Jacksonville, Ore.
'Orson Avery Stearns," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 932-933


    [James H. Russell] had the honor of erecting the first monuments in Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties, Ore., and in Siskiyou County, Cal.
"James H. Russell," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 947-948


    In the winter of 1853 [Samuel M. Robison] set out his peach seeds and in time had the first peach orchard in Oregon, and his vegetable garden furnished products to many of his neighbors to whom such things were positive luxuries.
"Samuel M. Robison," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 882-883


    [Emil Peil's] first work in this state was in Medford, where he established a blacksmith shop, which was also the first building to be erected in that place.
"Emil Peil," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, page 224


    Ever ready to lessen the labors connected with farming, and to add to the profits of his work, he took advantage of the most approved modern machinery and appliances, keeping abreast of the times in regard to inventions, and has the distinction of having introduced the first derrick wagon for elevating headed grain from the stack to the thresher, and subsequently of being the first to bring a combined harvester and thresher into Southern Oregon. This harvester was run by twenty-two horses, and was of great assistance to the men in the harvest field.
"Sylvester Patterson," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 959-960


    Finding upon experimenting that fruit could be successfully grown in this locality, [Warren H. Norcross] planted his place in an apple orchard and established here the first nursery in the vicinity of Central Point.
"Warren H. Norcross," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 951-952


    The first regular court was held September 5, 1853 by Hon. Matthew P. Deady, who held the office of district judge. . . .
    James Cluggage McCully was the first white child born in Jacksonville on August 27, 1853, son of Dr. and Mrs. McCully. Every miner and trader in the town considered himself a godfather to the newcomer and made it their business to spoil the little codger and teach him lessons that it took years of Sunday school training to eradicate. . . .
    The first school was conducted by Miss Royal in the fall of 1853.
Jessie Beulah Wilson (Jacksonville High School student), "History of Jacksonville," Jacksonville Sentinel, June 5, 1903, page 4  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    [Claiborne Neil] set out a large orchard of all kinds of fruit, and put in the first irrigating ditch in this section, bringing the water from Neil Creek through the center of his land in such a way that the whole farm can be well irrigated.
"Claiborne Neil," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 671-672


    A close student of all things pertaining to his special line of industry, progressive and enterprising, [William Cortez Myer] did more than any other one man to improve the blooded stock of the county, being the first to import thoroughbred Percheron horses and Jersey cattle. . . . Establishing a successful stock business, he soon found it necessary to add to his stock on hand, and again went east, returning in 1872 with Napoleon, a superb Percheron stallion, four Jerseys, the first brought to Oregon, and some Cotswold sheep for J. P. Walker, the first brought into Jackson County, and a few Durham cattle for E. F. Walker. . . . As an agriculturist he employed all modern methods, being the first in the valley to use a gang plow, an improved Haines header, and the screw pulverizer. In his efforts to have a pottery established in Ashland he was the first to attempt to make use of the kaolin beds of this locality.
"William Myer," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 676-677


    In 1854 [Michael] Mickelson came across the plains to Oregon and settled in Jacksonville, Jackson County, and a year later came to Ashland and established the first blacksmith shop of the place, becoming well and favorably known throughout the valley in his capacity of blacksmith as well as silversmith.
"Michael Mickelson," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 588-591


    Mr. [Isaac] Constant added to his many accomplishments that of mountaineer and scout, and in this capacity he took the first white party to Crater Lake, in Klamath County, now a national park.
"William Constant Leever," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 764-765


    [T. J. Kenney] established the first business house in Jacksonville, opening a store of general merchandise, which he conducted until his death, February 18, 1860. . . . Locating in Oregon City, W. G. T'Vault practiced his profession there for seven years, and under the name of The Oregon Spectator edited and published the first newspaper published on the Pacific Coast. He was active in public affairs, served as the first postmaster general of the Territory of Oregon, and represented Clackamas County in the constitutional convention. . . . Taking up his residence in Jacksonville in 1855, he started the first newspaper published south of the Calapooia Mountains, calling it the Table Rock Sentinel. . . . W. G. T'Vault was prominent in all public affairs, was acquainted with Dr. McLoughlin and Dr. Whitman, and in his house the first proclamation of the governor of the territory was written.
"Thomas Joseph Kenney," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 906-907


    [J. S. Howard] was one of the first residents of Medford, and long before its present prosperity had been thought of he brought the first load of lumber to the townsite and built one of the first structures. He was ably assisted in the work of upbuilding the embryo hamlet by his sons, who ran a general store, while their father served as the president of the first board of the town, and took an active interest in establishing municipal order. He was the first postmaster, serving seven years, and for ten years he had charge of the Wells, Fargo express office.
"James Sullivan Howard," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 609-610


    Soon after locating here, [Abel D. Helman] succeeded in having a post office located in Ashland, in 1855, and was appointed its first postmaster, giving a bond as security.
"Abel D. Helman," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 791-792


     [Emerson E. Gore's] oldest son was born at Jacksonville, Ore., December 3, 1852, was christened Walter S., and was the first white male child born in that vicinity.
"William H. Gore," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, page 747  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    [Isaac Hill] was the first man in the Rogue River Valley to raise tobacco.
"Mrs. Mary Minerva (Hill) Dunn," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 663-665


    In 1850 Mr. [Nathaniel Cobb] Dean came to California by way of the Isthmus, and for two years followed mining. In 1852 he came to Jackson County, where he took up a donation claim of one hundred and sixty acres three miles west of Central Point. In October of the same year he married Anna Huston, a native of New Jersey, and who crossed the plains in 1852. Mrs. Dean took up a claim adjoining that of her husband, and therefore, this first white couple to marry in the Rogue River Valley had three hundred and twenty acres between them, a by no means discouraging outlook for young people starting out in life. . . . Extremely public spirited, he watched with increasing interest the development of the Democratic Party in the county, and took a foremost lead in local offices, becoming a member of the first board of commissioners appointed by the Territorial Legislature to organize Jackson County.
"Ralph F. Dean," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 533-534


    [A. A. Davis] came to Oregon in 1888, and at Medford started the first roller mill in this part of the state or south of Albany, with a capacity of sixty-five barrels a day.
"A. A. Davis," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 669-670


    Mr. Chapman helped to build the first wagon road over the Siskiyou Mountains. . . .
"Henry H. Chapman," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 691-692


    To Peter Britt belongs the distinction of taking the first photograph in the state of Oregon, the much-valued print still being a prized possession of this master portrait painter and photographer. The date of this undertaking was February 26, 1858, and the subject was Judge Moser.
"Peter Britt," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 966-967


    [Robert V. and Thomas F. Beall] brought the first threshing machine into Jackson County, and also introduced to the farming population the first McCormick mower.
"Robert V. Beall," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 876-878


    [Jesse Applegate] was the pioneer civil engineer of the state, being the very first surveyor to locate here, and surveyed the road from Wallace to Fort Hall, which is now known as the Applegate Cutoff. He was very prominent in the early settlement of the state, and was a member of the first constitutional convention of Oregon.
"Daniel A. Applegate," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, page 540


    Mr. Anderson and his brother bought an interest in the flouring mill at Ashland. This proved a losing venture, for they were at a great expense refitting the mill. They paid $5 a bushel for wheat to convert into flour, which was sold for fifteen cents a pound. It is worthy of mention that this was the first flouring mill erected in the Rogue River Valley.
"Eli K. Anderson," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904, pages 707-709


    To [David Ebenezer Stearns] belongs the credit of raising the first peach ever raised in Jackson County, where fruit is now both plentiful and of such luscious quality as to gain widespread fame.
    [Orson Avery Stearns] was the first delegate to a political convention from this section of the state, being a representative of the Republican soldier vote at Fort Klamath March 16, 1866, held at Jacksonville, Ore.
"Orson Avery Stearns," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co. 1904, page 933


    The association of David Henry Miller with Medford began November 28, 1883, at which time there were few indications upon which to base the town's present industrial and commercial supremacy, and he claims the distinction of being the first white man to take up his residence within the town. . . .
"David Henry Miller," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co. 1904, page 591


    Settling on land in Adams County, [Joseph H. Stewart] started a nursery and farming business, and the first fruit trees brought to Oregon in an ox-train came from this farm. 
"Joseph Howard Stewart," Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, Chapman Publishing Co. 1904, page 489


    In 1853 Mr. [Joseph E. Gaunyaw] volunteered under Capt. Goodall and served during the Indian wars. He was the first white man on Rogue River below Galice Creek.
"Who Is the Oldest Settler," Medford Mail, April 29, 1904, page 1


    Last Friday Mrs. Elizabeth Hopwood Ross, widow of the late General John E. Ross, died at her home in Jacksonville, after a prolonged illness. . . . Their first child, Mrs. Mary Louise Ross Stanley, born October 8, 1854 [sic], is, so far as [is] known, the first white female born in Jacksonville.
"Death of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Ross," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, September 11, 1904, page 12  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    When Medford was founded [Orson Gilbert] moved hither, and he and Mrs. Gilbert conducted the first restaurant established in this city.
"Death of Orson Gilbert," Medford Mail, February 3, 1905, page 1


    The Mail is not given greatly to throwing bouquets at itself, but feels justified in calling the attention of its readers this week to a few of the improvements that have been made in the way of machinery for the plant during the past year. Four years ago a gasoline engine was installed in this office, which, by the way, was the first gasoline engine installed in Medford, and one of the first in the vicinity of the town. No other newspaper in Southern Oregon at that time used such power. Last May we placed a Simplex typesetting machine in the office, and The Mail was the first newspaper the type of which was set by machinery published in Jackson County. Then a few weeks afterward we installed a folder, the first machine of the kind south of Eugene. This week we have installed an electric motor to take the place of the gasoline engine, and again The Mail leads the procession, this being the first motor installed in the city, and this office being the first institution to use the electricity from the Ray dam for power purposes. From the above it will be seen that The Mail has been keeping abreast of the times, and is endeavoring to give its readers the best possible service. Our efforts in this line we believe are appreciated, and with this assurance encouragement is given for other and further improvements. About that motor we want to say that it works like a charm. There is no pumping up of gasoline, no fooling with exhausted batteries, no turning a wheel until black in the face, no noise of exploding vapor to alarm the neighbors. We simply push the button and Dr. Ray does the rest. It is the steadiest, most satisfactory power we have ever used and fills the bill exactly.
Medford Mail, February 17, 1905, page 4


    [Alfred Hall] was the eldest son of Dr. Langley Hall, prominent in the early Indian Rogue River wars, and was a favorite with the Indians. With his father he operated the first freight trains from Southern Oregon to the Florence country.
"Alfred Hall," Morning Oregonian, Portland, February 22, 1905, page 6


    James Porter was visiting his old home and friends in Ashland last week. Jim "fired" on the first passenger train that came into Ashland and was afterward promoted to be an engineer and had a good record until a number of years ago he got his iron horse into a wreck at Grants Pass and was himself seriously injured, hard luck all around. Since that time he has had a good deal more of hard luck, but his friends hope that he is about at the end of it and there is a better turn in the wheel of fortune in store for him.
"Personal Mention," Ashland Tidings, May 1, 1905, page 3


    The Medford Furniture Co. removed their undertaking parlors this week to the new quarters in the Boyden brick, recently finished, just back of the store. . . . The goods will be transported from the lower to the upper story by means a large freight elevator, the first apparatus of the kind ever used in this city.
"City Happenings," Medford Mail, September 1, 1905, page 5


    The plant of the Condor Water & Power Co. is situated on Rogue River, some ten miles north of Medford, beneath the shadow of Table Rock. Here for the first time in its history the waters of the Rogue have been successfully controlled. A mighty dam is built across the stream, so solid it will stand for all time. Here are the mighty wheels and dynamos which generate the electric current which furnishes light and power to the whole valley. Medford was the first city to enter into contract with this company. Since then substations have been established at Central Point, Talent and Jacksonville, and Ashland in the extreme southern end of the valley, over twenty miles from the source of supply, is lighted by electricity from this plant.
    Besides, lines have been run into Josephine County to the Granite Hill and Greenback mines, and the motive power which moves the machinery of these mines comes from the Condor Water & Power Co.'s plant. The Opp Mine, near Jacksonville, was the first to adopt electric power, to be closely followed by the Oregon Belle.
"Transmission of Electric Power," Medford Mail, March 9, 1906, page C1


    General Haymond, a pioneer of the Rogue River Valley, died at his home at Rock Point, in the northern portion of the valley. . . . In pioneer days he constructed the first bridge built across the Rogue River. . . .
"Rogue Valley Pioneer Dies at Rock Point," Oregon Journal, Portland, March 30, 1906, page 14


    J. S. Howard:--"I traded with Maury & Davis when I first came to Jacksonville, and that firm erected the first brick in Southern Oregon, where the Jacksonville town hall now stands."
"Street Echoes," Medford Mail, April 6, 1906, page 1



    The first nugget that betrayed the presence of the royal metal was uncovered on Josephine Creek, southern Oregon, May 2, 1851. . . . The first [hydraulic] giant thundered its shaft of white on Jack Layton's mine, Applegate river, 1862.
Dennis H. Stovall, "Mining in Southern Oregon," Sunset Magazine, August 1906, page 139


    "This year's crop packed out from 35 to 40 pears to the half box, of 70 to 80 to the full box of 50 pounds. Last year's carload was the first half-box packing ever shipped out of the state."
J. W. Perkins, "What an Oregon Grower Has Done with Comice," Pacific Rural Press, December 1, 1906, page 340




    Ray Crystal, of Pendleton, Oregon, [first boy born in Medford,] is in Medford for a few days' visit with relatives and old-time friends. Mrs. Crystal has been here for a few weeks' visit to her parents, Mrs. and Mrs. J. F. Kiernan, and for several days has been quite ill, which illness is the reason for her husband's visit at the present time. Mr. Crystal has a splendid position with one of the largest mercantile firms of Pendleton, gets a good salary and likes the town.
"Purely Personal," Medford Mail, January 3, 1908, page 5


    Sid Montgomery of Grants Pass visited this section on the 13th inst., in company with a friend on a prospecting tour. Forty-nine years ago Mr. Montgomery herded cattle through here. He built the first cabin that was ever put up on Trail Creek. It was built near the place that was afterwards owned by H. L. Hill, where our free bridge is over Rogue River.
"Upper Rogue River Items," Medford Daily Tribune, August 19, 1908, page 3


    The only accidents which occurred in Medford yesterday were the colliding of J. M. Root's and D. T. Lawton's autos, with the result that the lamps of both machines were demolished. J. Bradbury ran his auto into a fence and thereby put his machine out of commission until it can be repaired.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail, October 2, 1908, page 6


    The incentive of the extremely high prices realized for the output, which prices appreciate from year to year, in spite of the rapidly enlarging orchard area, has brought about the employment of the most modern methods of handling orchards in this valley, where the gasoline spray engine was first used in the history of horticulture.
"Rogue River Apples," Medford, Oregon: Rogue River Valley, booster booklet published by the Medford Commercial Club, 1909.


    Mr. Howard, in addition to being the first postmaster, the first merchant and the first civil engineer in Medford, was the first express agent, he opening an office for Wells-Fargo Company at the time the trains began to run to the town. [It was A. L. Johnson who opened the Wells Fargo agency in March 1884; Howard succeeded him in May.] He was also the first notary public and made out papers and was legal advisor for the little community.
Rogue River Fruit Grower, January 1909


    The consumption of tropical fruit has become so large in Rogue River Valley that the importation of oranges and bananas by express lots will soon give way to car lots, as proven by the receipt of a carload of oranges at Medford recently. This is the first full car of tropical fruit ever brought to a Rogue River Valley town. And 60 crates of bananas received in one shipment recently is the record for that fruit for Medford.
"The Problem of a Market for Fruit," Rogue River Fruit Grower, April 1909


    The special train on the Southern Pacific railway, carrying 100 San Francisco business men, passed through Medford on the way to Portland, at 5:40 o'clock this afternoon. The train is running as the first section of No. 16.
    There were several hundred people at the station to see the train, but few were able to see the inside of the first car, which contained the operators and the instruments for the wireless telegraph system. All that could be seen from the outside were some wires running along the top of the car from front to rear.
"Excursion Passes Medford," Morning Oregonian, Portland, June 14, 1909, page 9    This may have been the first radio station (however briefly) in the Rogue Valley.






    Mr. and Mrs. Gore crossed the plains in 1852 and took up their residence in Jacksonville, where their oldest son, Walter S. Gore, was born December 3, 1852, being the first white male born in Jackson County.
"E. E. Gore Passes to Beyond," Medford Mail Tribune, November 22, 1910, page 1  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.






    Election of Millar as councilman is noteworthy from one standpoint, that being that he is the first socialist to be elected to office in Oregon.
"W. H. Canon Elected Mayor," Medford Sun, January 11, 1911, page 1


    The Hicks lead on the left fork of Jackson Creek was the first quartz lead successfully prospected. Sonora Hicks and her brother [sic--Sonora was apparently a man] discovered a rich pocket in this lead and, according to the seeming sensational news columns of the Jacksonville Sentinel, took out $1000 in gold in two hours. The total yield of this, the first quartz mine operated in Southern Oregon, totaled $2000, only one small pocket of gold being found.
    In January 1860, "Emigrant" Graham discovered the Gold Hill ledge, which was the first important quartz gold discovery.
Arthur M. Geary, "Gold Mining in Southern Oregon," Medford Mail Tribune, February 5, 1911, page B1


    John Peninger, who died recently at Chico, California, aged forty-two, was well known here. He was one of the first pair of twins born in Jackson County.
"Local News Notes," Gold Hill News, February 11, 1911, page 5




    What is thought to be the first instance of prosecution for failure to observe the law regarding the sending of children to school was tried in Ashland Friday, prosecuting attorney B. F. Mulkey being called there on a case of this sort. This is significant in that it is the first instance in which it has been necessary to enforce this law in Jackson County.
"Children Must Attend School," Medford Mail Tribune, May 14, 1911, page 5


    It was in the Uniontown settlement [around 1863] that the first alfalfa seed was sown in Applegate Valley, as also the first in Oregon. . . . The seed for these two experimental tracts of alfalfa was brought from California, and was there generally called Chile clover.
"Where the First Alfalfa Was Grown in Oregon," Rogue River Fruit Grower, June 1911


    The First National Bank, Medford's "million-dollar" financial institution, will observe its sixth birthday next Thursday, June 15, and congratulations are already pouring in on the officials of the bank. During the six years its growth has bordered on the phenomenal, such great strides having been made. Last fall it passed the million-dollar mark--the first bank in southern Oregon to do so.
"First National Six Years Old," Medford Mail Tribune, June 12, 1911, page 6


    The Mail Tribune building is by far the best illumined structure in Medford. It has set the pace for the city beautiful.
    The building has been outlined with electric globes—the first in Medford to be so illumined.
    Two hundred tungsten globes blaze with a white light, revealing the graceful outlines of the building. Above them is the glare of the big Mail Tribune sign.
"Lights Make Night Bright," Medford Mail Tribune, July 23, 1911, page 2


    [J. W. Jacobs] conducted the first marble shop in Medford and two years ago he returned to Central Point, where he now makes his home.
Joseph Gaston, The Centennial History of Oregon, 1912, page 565


    Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harth were called to Grants Pass last Saturday by the death of Mrs. Harth's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Dean, at the age of 79 years. Mrs. Dean was an Oregon pioneer of 1853 and the first woman ever married at Jacksonville, Or.
"Local News," Roseburg Review, January 1, 1912, page 5


    George E. Briggs (commonly called Governor), Peter Peveler, so long county clerk of Del Norte County, California, and Robert Worthington were among the earliest packers to deliver supplies on pack animals to the new mines. A Mr. Cochran was the first, coming in '52.
A. J. Howell, "Pioneer on Althouse Tells of Early History of County," Rogue River Courier, Grants Pass, March 8, 1912, page 3


    Police Judge Johnson of Grants Pass was in the city Monday attending to business in connection with the "blind pig" cases in Josephine County. Judge Johnson claims the distinction of being the first magistrate in southern Oregon to order the confiscation of liquor.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, March 12, 1912, page 2


    The funeral of E. K. Anderson, of Ashland, the oldest resident of Jackson County and the first man to start a flour mill in Southern Oregon, who died Wednesday, was held this afternoon under the direction of the Masons.
"E. K. Anderson Is Buried," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, March 17, 1912, page 10


    In 1854 two miners, whose names I can't recall, while mining just below Grassy Flat on Althouse, quarreled over a tailing dump. One called the other a vile name, implicating his mother, whereupon the implicated man went into his cabin, got a shotgun and shot the man dead, declaring as he did so that his mother was a good woman. This was the first miner killed on Althouse by a white man. The slayer was not caught.
A. J. Howell, "Pioneer Howell Writes of Indian Fights During Early Days in Josephine County," Rogue River Courier, Grants Pass, March 22, 1912, page 5


    The first white asbestos roofing to be seen in Ashland is being put on by the Conway company on their new bungalow in Terrace Heights addition. . . . An additional feature of the roof is the fact that it is being built on a one-eighth pitch, the first of that pitch to be built in Ashland.
"Innovation in Building," Ashland Tidings, July 1, 1912, page 1


    The first car of potatoes ever shipped out of the Rogue River Valley was sent out this week. It is estimated that the potato crop will be between 30,000 and 40,000 sacks, as against less than half the quantity last year.
"First Car of Potatoes Shipped from Medford," Medford Mail Tribune, July 20, 1912, page 1


    J. M. Potter, first editor of the old Medford Tribune, and well known here, was brought to Ashland Thursday and taken to the hospital, to undergo an operation for strangulated hernia. He was taken suddenly ill at his home in Weed, where he is cashier of the First National Bank. He was accompanied by his family, his half brother, Mr. Nolton of Montague, and Dr. F. E. Tebbe of Weed.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, August 28, 1912, page 4


    It has been reported and believed by many newcomers that George Putnam and the Medford Mail Tribune were the discoverers of Rogue River Valley, and they report as a most progressive and unusual event that a carload of melons have been shipped from Central Point, being the first shipment of that kind ever made from the valley. A week afterwards comes the remarkable news that a carload of wheat has been shipped from Central Point, the first shipment of the kind ever made from the valley, with editorial comments on the great and beneficial effect these first initial exports will have on the progressive and enterprising spirit of the valley.
    Great Scott! Man Alive! Over a half century ago, before George Putnam ever drew the breath of life, Rogue River Valley was exporting flour, bacon, wheat and barley to Yreka and mines in Northern California, to Sailor Diggings, Althouse and Galice Creek by horse team, mule team, ox team and pack team.
J. S. Howard, Excerpt, "Prosperity of the Rogue River Valley in Pioneer Days," Medford Mail Tribune, September 4, 1912, page 4


    The history of southern Oregon gives Miss Lizzie Anderson the distinction of having taught the first school in the town of Ashland, which was conducted in the house of Eber Emery, Miss Anderson "boarding" the while at the home of Captain A. D. Helman. . . .
    In the local fraternal world [Mary Elizabeth McCall] was conspicuous as one of the organizers and the first worthy matron of the first chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Oregon, which was Alpha Chapter No. 1, of Ashland.
"Mrs. McCall's Funeral," Ashland Tidings, October 31, 1912, page 4




    Rogue River went wet Monday at the annual city election by a vote of 65 to 33, practically a two-to-one vote. One hundred and seven votes were cast, 47 being women, the first suffragettes in southern Oregon to exercise the right of the ballot as given them at the last election.
"Rogue River Votes Wet; Women Out," Medford Mail Tribune, December 3, 1912, page 3


    Miss Leta Luke of Talent, aged 24 years, postmistress at that place, is the first woman in the state to be officially elected to a municipal position since suffrage was obtained in Oregon. At the city election held on Tuesday her townspeople gave her a majority of 28 out of 91 votes cast for the office of city recorder. Thirty-three women voted.
"Miss Luke Recorder at Talent," Jacksonville Post, December 7, 1912, page 1


    In most of the eastern cities of 10,000 the state law does not allow milk to be sold out of cans on the street for private families, and we feel there is nothing too good for Medford people. We are the first to introduce bottled milk, also sanitary milk tickets, in Medford.
J. W. Snider, "Why Medford Pays More for Milk," Medford Mail Tribune, December 9, 1912, page 5


    Medford is the first city in Oregon to establish a municipal market.
 "Medford Public Market Proves a Great Success," Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1913, page B7


Fred Lockley, "Jacksonville, Pioneer City of Southern Oregon," Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1913, page C4  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    The members of this [county] court have given Jackson County the first macadam roads in southern Oregon. They have started the foundation for an extensive system of fine highways.
"A Word of Appreciation," Medford Mail Tribune, January 6, 1913, page 4


    Talent was the first town in Oregon to elect a woman for recorder, and it kept its lead by choosing Mrs. Minnie Vogeli as councilman.
"Woman Elected to Talent Council," Medford Mail Tribune weekly, February 13, 1913, page 3


    Miss Stella Levy has the distinction of being the first Jacksonville woman to sign a petition for the nomination of a candidate for city office.
"Local News," Jacksonville Post, March 1, 1913, page 3


    As the result of the annual election held at Gold Hill Wednesday, Mrs. Cora J. Truax will be the first woman to serve on a city council in southern Oregon. Mrs. Truax defeated S. T. Hodges for this honor and will represent the second ward. Mrs. Truax received 83 votes to Hodges' 25.
"Councilwoman in Southern Oregon," Medford Mail Tribune, April 10, 1913, page 6


    Mrs. Mary L. Stanley, formerly of Ashland, died Saturday at the home of her son, George Stanley, at Eugene, Ore., and the remains were brought to Ashland for interment, the funeral taking place this forenoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Winnie Hildreth, on First Avenue, followed by interment in Hargadine Cemetery. The services were conducted by Mr. Gard of the Temple of Truth.
    Mrs. Stanley, who left Ashland about six weeks ago, was 59 years, 7 months and 23 days old at the time of her death. The bereaved family have many friends in Ashland who extend their heartfelt sympathy.
Ashland Tidings, June 2, 1913, page 1   Hargadine Cemetery records confirm her date of birth as October 8, 1853.


    Mrs. Mary Ross Stanley, believed to have been the first white child born at the pioneer settlement of Jacksonville, Or., passed away at the home of her son, George C. Stanley, on Saturday, aged nearly 60 years.
"Pioneer of Oregon Dies at Eugene at Age of 60," Oregonian, Portland, June 3, 1913, page 2  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    Mrs. Stanley was the eldest child of Colonel John E. Ross and was the first white girl baby born in Jacksonville and the second white child to be born in Jackson County, Oregon.
"Death of Mrs. Mary Louise Stanley," Ashland Tidings, June 5, 1913, page 8  Refer to conflicting claims on this page.


    MEDFORD, Or., June 16.--(Special.)--For the first time in the history of Medford a woman was elected to the City Board of Education today, when Mrs. E. E. Gore, wife of a prominent merchant, secured 67 votes out of a total of 69.
"Mrs. Gore Wins in Medford," Morning Oregonian, Portland, June 17, 1913, page 2


    A Boston terrier belonging to Mrs. Bob Fitzsimmons, wife of the pugilist, who is filling a theatrical engagement here, was killed Friday by Dr. J. L. Helms, city veterinarian, after observation had convinced him that it was afflicted with rabies. . . . This is the first case of rabies in southern Oregon. . . . The infection probably occurred in Portland, where two men died this week from rabies, and several dogs have been found afflicted.
"Dog Afflicted with Rabies in Medford Shot," Medford Mail Tribune, July 18, 1913, page 1


    The Kinetophone, or Edison talking pictures, will be seen here for the first time at the Page Theater, Sept. 1 and 2. Just as wonderful as was his invention of the original moving picture is the latest discovery of the great wizard Edison.
"Edison Talk Pictures Here Next Week," Medford Mail Tribune, August 28, 1913, page 5


    K. Omaki, the first Japanese boy to enroll in the Medford High School, was admitted today. He weighs 187 pounds and is looked upon as splendid material for the football team.
"Medford Schools Crowded," Morning Oregonian, Portland, September 13, 1913, page 4


    Medford will soon have a cafeteria, the first in Southern Oregon. It will be opened on South Central by two ladies from Cottage Grove.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, November 7, 1913, page 2


    [The Ashland to Linkville road] was the first attempt at graded roads in Jackson County except in one instance, that of the grade from Jacksonville to the Applegate side.
J. S. Howard, "Road Building in Pioneer Days," Medford Mail Tribune, January 1, 1914, page E3


    "Oak Lodge" has been one of the show places of the county, and famous for its beautiful grove of old oaks, the finest in Oregon. The house, constructed six years ago, was the first bungalow built in Southern Oregon and the first to utilize clinker brick.
"Root's Oak Lodge Sold to Garden City, Kansas, Banker," Medford Mail Tribune, February 18, 1914, page 3


    Car No. 1 of the Southern Oregon Traction Company, the first streetcar to be introduced into Southern Oregon, arrived Friday night from St. Louis.
"Trolley Car for Bullis Line Arrives in City," Medford Mail Tribune, March 14, 1914, page 4


    District Attorney Kelly spent Monday at Rogue River trying a civil case, Steffy vs. Jones, in the justice court before a jury composed of three ladies and three men, which he declares is the first time in the history of southern Oregon that women have served on a jury.
"Women Jurors Give Quick Decision," Medford Mail Tribune, June 8, 1914, page 3


    The first cases of rabies authentically reported south of Portland are reported by Dr. E. B. Pickel, president of the state board of health. . . . These are the first authentic instances of rabies in southern Oregon. Previous to a few years ago, the disease was unknown west of the Cascades.
"First Cases of Rabies; Cow and Dog Succumb," Medford Mail Tribune, August 4, 1914, page 2


    The first stretch of hard-surfaced road in Oregon constructed under the county bonding act was opened to rubber-tired traffic on the 27th, at which time the delegates were taken over the highway and shown what Jackson County has done to make Southern Oregon a good road paradise.
"Portland Letter," Jacksonville Post, August 8, 1914, page 1


    Mrs. Nakuitu, the first Japanese woman to die in this county, died at Sacred Heart Hospital Saturday night. The funeral services are being held from the Perl undertaking chapel this afternoon.
"Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, August 10, 1914, page 2

NELLIE ROSE JONES.
Mrs. Wilbur Jones,
    203 High Ave.,
    Klamath Falls, Ore.

    The Oregon state law permitting counties to employ visiting nurses for tuberculosis work and to establish tuberculosis hospitals will soon pass its tenth birthday.… Jackson County was the first to employ a public health nurse under the new law.

    [In 1851] Judge A. A. Skinner came to the valley in pursuance of his duties as Indian agent and took up his residence southeast of Table Rock, on a donation claim, supposed to have been the first taken in Rogue River Valley, for that matter. His house was the first one built on Bear Creek and was a small log structure.  . . . Mrs. Lawless possessed the distinction of being the first white woman settler, coming sometime in 1852. . . .   The first house built [in Ashland] was the dwelling of Hargadine and Pease. . . . Ashland school district number 5 was now organized, and the first school was taught near the residence of Mrs. Erb two miles east of Ashland, by the Rev. Myron Stearns. The first school of the town proper was taught in the house of Eben Emery in the year 1854-5 by Miss Lizzie Anderson, who later became the wife of Gen. McCall. . . . The first public school house was built in 1867 on a lot donated by R. B. Hargadine. . . . To Ashland belongs the credit of the first marble works in Oregon south of Portland.
"Ashland Has Had Steady and Consistent Growth," Ashland Daily Tidings, February 26, 1927, page 5


    Mr. [J. R.] Cunnyngham's father constructed the first hotel in Medford on the present site of the Jackson County Bank, where it was known as the Empire Hotel.
"Son of Medford's First Hotel Owner Visits Old Vistas," Medford Mail Tribune, February 27, 1927, page 8