Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW John Thiry, from Oak Knoll to today ... Respected Medford firefighter's life cut short by lung damage from 2010 Oak Knoll fire ... Taking it to the top ... John Thiry, from Oak Knoll to today ... Respected Medford firefighter's life cut short by lung damage from 2010 Oak Knoll fire ... Taking it to the top ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Jumpoff Joe Creek name has many theories Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Jul. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News We often travel I-5, and north of here, at about milepost 66 near Hugo, we see a sign for “Jump Off Joe Creek.” Who was Joe, and did he really jump, and if so why? — Mike H., via email There is really no easy answer here, Mike. There are at least three competing theories that seek to explain the naming of Jumpoff Joe Creek. All of the theories agree that the creek’s namesake is Joseph McLoughlin. And sources tend to agree that Joe McLoughlin was born in 1810, the son of Dr. John McLoughlin, chief factor at Fort Vancouver, Wash., and a native of the Chippewa Indians. And he went on an expedition in Southern Oregon, all agree. According to the book "Oregon Geographic Names," published by the Oregon Historical Society Press, McLoughlin was on an expedition in what would become the northeast corner of Josephine County, led by Alexander R. McLeod, with a trapping company of about 30 men, some of whom were Native Americans, in the 1820s or ’30s. Returning to his camp after dark, Joe slipped and fell down the bluffs, sustaining severe injuries that would eventually lead to his death in December 1848. The OHS account holds that the creek was probably named in 1828. Col. James Nesmith, writing for the Oregonian in 1883, blamed the fall on an unnamed "exploit" in 1837 or 1839, according to the book. The Hugo Neighborhood Association & Historical Society in a brochure about the creek cited a document from the Hudson Bay Company archives dated 1939 that disputes the first theory. The account claims that the company dispatched a party on July 20, 1839, led by Michel Laframboise, and that Joe did not fall, but rather sustained illness on the journey, resulting in a pulmonary attack that caused him to bleed from the mouth. The creek was named in 1839, this account says. Author Richard Dillon agrees with the Hugo group's account, the brochure states. Another theory, attributed by the Hugo Neighborhood Association & Historical Society to local legend, is that Joe did not sustain any illness, medical emergency or accident, but rather jumped off the bluffs by the creek while being pursued by Native Americans. Take your pick, Mike. Unless somebody uncovers a diary or letter from a witness to Joe's fateful jump, fall or illness, we may never know the real answer. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. To see a collection of columns, go to mailtribune.com/youasked . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501