Ditmar: Wheat Queen of the Big Bend

Josephine Winchell was born in Hood River, Ore., in 1863.

Seventeen years later she married William Ditmar, 25. They claimed a quarter in 1880 and homesteading in 1886. They also claimed a timber culture in 1889, but this was not proved until 1898.

In 1893, they were divorced. Josephine got custody of the five boys and the homestead quarter, horses, and farm equipment to support them. William was to pay off their debts.

William remarried and worked the timber culture quarter. He earned enough to be able to purchase some more land. Josephine sued him for an additional $4000 for additional child...