This is a very informative book on the Applegate area covering Murphy, Applegate, Williams, Wilderville, and the general vicinity, including Jacksonville & Grants Pass.

The author divides the subject matter into eight sections to tell the stories of the pioneer families that settled the area along the Applegate River and its fertile valley. The book has some excellent photographs to augment the stories. Ms. Johnson has listed 945 family names in the index to help those interested in an early settler’s business, marriage, children, or profession.

Some of the subjects covered are: miners and mining, Indians, Chinamen, doctoring, post offices, religion and the circuit riders, farmimg, timber and logging, education and others.

Olga Johnson wrote the Williams and Murphy news columns for the Daily Courier for years and has good knowledge of her subject. The local families brought in their stories and statistics for her.

Great aid for people doing genealogical research in Josephine County.