NEWSPAPERS: Death of Joe Monahan, reported in Jackson County, Oregon

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Transcribed and formatted for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Elizabeth Corethers <jaxsearch@hotmail.com> 26 May 2003
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Medford (Oregon) Mail, Friday, 15 Feb 1904, p. 1

SEX BETRAYED BY DEATH.

Joe Monahan dropped dead on Sucker creek, Malheur county, Monday. This fact
of its self was enough to startle that quiet community in which "Joe" has
resided for 18 years as a farmer and stockraiser, but when friendly
neighbors started to prepare the body for burial the community was given a
decided shock when it was announced that "Joe" Monahan was a woman.

For 18 years the woman masqueraded as a man, owned her own farm and stock
and performed all the labor allotted to the average husbandman. For years
she had ridden after her cattle over mountains and plain, camping with men
under all conditions and in no instance was her sex questioned.

Time over and again "Joe" Monahan had been summoned by the sheriff to serve
as a juror, in every case she responded promptly and participated in
preparations of verdict rendered. Further than that, she held the
distinction of being the only woman in the state of Oregon who has
exercised the right of franchise accorded only to the male sex. Her
masquerading was so successful that she was registered as a voter and cast
her ballot at every election.

The dead woman had accumulated considerable property, including a good
ranch on Sucker creek. The mystery surrounding her life precludes any
relatives. The property has been taken in charge by former neighbors
pending an investigation.