Josie Westfall
1873-1941
Born in 1873, Josie Westfall was the descendant of local pioneers. A career oriented woman, Josie was a dressmaker, and like her fellow humanitarian, Rose Jolly, never married. These two women, so spiritually alike, spent years together doing charity work. In 1909, after the founding of the Humane Society, Josie and Rose opened their first orphanage at 524 East Carroll Street. As numbers grew, more space was needed. The orphanage then relocated to 415 N. Madison St.
In 1914 more funds were needed for the orphanage. With that in mind, Josie ran for city judge, with the thought of donating the salary for the children's care. She won the election, but only because she had the support of the female vote. Her male opponent challenged the election, however, on the grounds that women were not allowed to run for political offices of constitutional origin. As a result, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned her election.
Undaunted, she held the orphanage together by pleading for public and private contributions. In addition, she planted a huge garden on the orphanage grounds. It was not unusual for her to preserve as many as 1.000 jars of fruits and vegetables annually to keep the orphanage supplied with food.
Over the years, funding for the orphanage continued to be inadequate. In 1941, Josie led a fund drive that netted almost $40,000, the amount needed for a new facility, which was a remarkable feat during the Depression.
In 1933 she moved almost 70 children into the new brick building in the 800 block of West Jefferson St. Over the years, she had been an affectionate parent to more than 500 children. When she died, the whole county seemed to realize that a truly amazing human being had died.
Photo and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and John Hallwas.
In 1914 more funds were needed for the orphanage. With that in mind, Josie ran for city judge, with the thought of donating the salary for the children's care. She won the election, but only because she had the support of the female vote. Her male opponent challenged the election, however, on the grounds that women were not allowed to run for political offices of constitutional origin. As a result, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned her election.
Undaunted, she held the orphanage together by pleading for public and private contributions. In addition, she planted a huge garden on the orphanage grounds. It was not unusual for her to preserve as many as 1.000 jars of fruits and vegetables annually to keep the orphanage supplied with food.
Over the years, funding for the orphanage continued to be inadequate. In 1941, Josie led a fund drive that netted almost $40,000, the amount needed for a new facility, which was a remarkable feat during the Depression.
In 1933 she moved almost 70 children into the new brick building in the 800 block of West Jefferson St. Over the years, she had been an affectionate parent to more than 500 children. When she died, the whole county seemed to realize that a truly amazing human being had died.
Photo and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and John Hallwas.