Josephine County was created by the territorial legislature on Jan. 22, 1856 from the western half of Jackson County. It was the 19th, and last county created before statehood. Josephine County was named for Josephine Rollins, the first white woman to settle in southern Oregon.
The county is bordered on the south by California, on the north by Douglas County, on the west by Curry County (at the Coast Range summit), and on the east by Jackson County.
Sailor Diggings was named the first county seat of Josephine County in 1856, and six election precincts were established: Althouse Creek, Sailor Diggings, Kerby's Ranch, Kenyon Creek, Fort Vanois, and Fort Leland.
During the next year, the population center shifted north to the Illinois valley. By election, Kerbyville was made the new county seat on July 7, 1857. Kerbyville was founded earlier that year by James Kerby. In 1858, the territorial legislature changed its name to Napoleon, but Kerbyville (and later, Kerby) remained the favored usage in the county.
Although several Indian tribes lived in the area from which Josephine County was created, most of their members had been moved to reservations by 1856. In late 1856, all Indians in southwest Oregon (with the exception of a few tiny bands) were moved to the Siletz reservation in Polk County.
Series Descriptions for Josephine County
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Calendar Microfilm
Series used to assess real and personal property in order to determine tax liabilities. Assessment rolls show tax year, taxpayer's name, real and personal property values, taxes assessed, and assessor's name. Items assessed include gold dust, scrip, land, livestock, boats, and wagons. Series is not arranged.
1856
.1 cubic feet
Calendar Microfilm
Series used to document county population and to report statistics to the territorial government. Census rolls show resident's name; number of legal voters, adult males and females, males aged 10 to 21, females aged 10 to 18, and males and females under age 10; totals; census date; and census taker's certification. Series is not arranged.
1854-1859
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents the first step in US naturalization proceedings. Declarations show declarant's name, former nationality, renunciation of allegiance to foreign rulers and nations, declarant's signature, date of declaration, and court clerks certification. Also includes supporting affidavits. Series is arranged alphabetically by declarant's name.
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Series is used to provide direct access to county probate case records. Index entries show case name, case number, date closed, and notations for minor or insanity guardianships. Series is arranged alphabetically by case name.
1848-1859
.5 cubic feet
Series documents the probate of estates, and the administration of insanity and juveniles' guardianships. Records include administrator's bonds, vouchers, petitions, estate inventories, property appraisals, receipts, correspondence, estate account ledgers, letters of administration, and bills of sale. Series is arranged alpha numerically by case number.
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents actions taken in causes heard by the probate court. Journal entries show term of court, location of court, judge's and officers' names, date of action, and description of action. Actions include estate inventory validation, appointments of administrators and guardians, bonds, estate claim hearings, and appraisal reports. Series is arranged chronologically by date of action.
1856-1857
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents actions taken in cases heard by the US District Court. Journal entries show term of court, location of court, justices' and officers' names, date of action, and description of action. Actions include jury selections, admission of attorneys to the court bar, declarations of intention, and case dispositions. Causes of action include selling liquor without a license, keeping gambling houses, and violating Sabbath laws. Series is arranged chronologically by session date.