Thomas Croxton, a Methodist preacher, organized the Kerbyville Mission Circuit in 1857, following the close of the Rogue River Indian War, thus laying the foundation of the Methodist Church in Josephine County. Croxton was the first pastor of the congregation which evolved as Newman United Methodist Church.

When the local post office was established, Croxton petitioned postal authorities to name the new post office Grants Pass in honor of General Ulyssess S. Grant.

Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1979.