Rosa Phillips Stonestreet
Did anyone attend Stonestreet Elementary or have kids or grandkids that attended? Rosa was an accomplished woman and a lifelong resident of South Louisville. She has a road named after her, a school named after and even a state issued, historic highway marker, detailing her accomplishments, however, she does not have a tombstone to mark her final resting place at Cave Hill Cemetery. She is buried next to her husband.
The Iroquois Neighborhood Association is kicking off a fundraiser to purchase a tombstone that compliments her husband's tombstone. We would love for you to donate and help is reach our $2,500 goal.
Your donations are tax deductible. Every little bit helps.
If you would like to learn more about Rosa:
Rosa Phillips Stonestreet
2/18/1859 – 4/7/1936
- Rosa Phillips Stonestreet was born on February 18, 1859, in Jefferson County to Murray and America Phillips. She spent her childhood on the Phillips family farm, a substantial property located near Cox’s Knob, in the area now known as Kenwood Hill. Phillips Lane is named in honor of her family.
- She graduated from Nazareth Academy in 1877 and married Charles T. Stonestreet on October 18, 1882, at the age of 23. Following Charles's passing in 1889 at age 35, Rosa embarked on a career in education at 30.
- On November 3, 1897, Rosa was elected superintendent of the common schools in Jefferson County by popular vote and served until 1910—a notable accomplishment, as this occurred two decades before women had the right to vote. During her tenure, she addressed financial challenges within the district, promoted the employment of accredited teachers, and worked to eliminate corruption in the school system.
- Rosa played a key role in advocating for educational legislation enacted in 1908, which ensured that public education was administered by qualified professionals rather than the previous trustee system.
- At the time of her passing on April 7, 1936, Rosa resided at 3531 Taylor Boulevard. She is interred alongside her husband Charles in Cave Hill Cemetery. Rosa is in an unmarked grave.