A Life of Strength and Purpose
Released on: December 5, 2003

Mrs. Josephine Binney left Boys Republic an unexpected bequest. And, as is often the case with unanticipated estate gifts, little was known about the generous donor. Her sister Mrs. Eloise McComber, recently provided us a glimpse into the life and career of this remarkable woman.

Josephine P. Binney

Josephine Pilario Binney was born on a ranch in the Rowland Heights area. As a child, between 1910-1920, she and her family often visited Boys Republic's sprawling 200-acre campus in Chino Hills. They would call upon a cousin who ran the school's agricultural program and bring treats for the students.

At the age of 13, her mother died and, a year later, Josephine was stricken with Polio. She survived a high fever and coma, but was left unable to walk. She spent the remainder of her life in a wheelchair.

Undaunted by this misfortune, the resilient young woman educated herself through a voracious appetite for reading. She learned accounting to keep the family's books and became an exceptional seamstress and cook.

After her father died, Josephine continued on alone living at the ranch. With the assistance of a physician, she began taking in expecting unwed girls to stay with her until they had their babies (during that era, unwed mothers were often turned out of their homes). Her interest in assisting unwed mothers led to a long association with the Florence Crittenton organization as a Board of Directors member and founder of its Orange County, California home.

She studied extensively about Polio and offered her help to others with the disease. As a member of Rotary International - a Paul Harris Fellow - she worked tirelessly to eradicate Polio from the world.

Josephine Binney was a proud, capable individual who met life's challenges head-on. She gave generously of her skills and resources. Her disability only seemed to clarify an indefatigable sense of purpose in helping others.

Her generous bequest of $500,000 to Boys Republic will become part of the youth agency's Endowment Fund. There, it will allow Boys Republic to enrich and perpetuate educational programs for children whose own disadvantages may, one day, provide for them a sense of strength and purpose.