Biography of John B. Yeon, 1922, State of Oregon Surnames: Yeon, Besonet, Welsh ********************************************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE: ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.netcopyright.htm http://files.usgwarchives.netor/orfiles.htm ********************************************************************************* Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: W. David Samuelsen - January 2002 ************************************************************************ History of Oregon, Vol. 2; The Pioneer Historical Publishing Company, pub. 1922, page 10-11 JOHN B. YEON. Many lines of activity connect the name of John B. Yeon with the history of Portland. He has not only been the builder of one of its finest business blocks but was also road master of Multnomah county when the Columbia highway was built. He likewise rendered valuable service in connection with war activities and many other tangible evidences of his public spirit might be cited. Of Canadian birth, he was born at Plantagenet, Ontario, April 24, 1865, his parents being John B. and Delamose (Besonet) Yeon. When seventeen years of age he left home, having up to this time devoted his attention largely to the acquirement of a public school education, with later instruction in the high school at Plantagenet. He then came into the United States and made his way to Defiance, Ohio, in 1882. There he secured employment in connection with the logging business at a wage of one dollar per day, working from four o’clock in the morning until late at night, driving a team. While the work was of a most arduous character, his determination and energy thus displayed laid the foundation of his later success. The heavily timbered district around Defiance offered an excellent field for the lumber industry and Mr. Yeon there gained a knowledge that he put to practical use for some years after his removal to the coast In 1885. It was at that date that he became a resident of Oregon, where for some time he engaged in business in connection with the lumber industry. Step by step he advanced, Improving every opportunity that came to him at length winning a place among the prosperous and substantial business men of Portland. The tangible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift is the fine Yeon building situated at the corner of Fifth and Alder streets. The work was begun on the 11th of August, 1910, by the hauling of the big beams and girders and on the 15th of August the actual task of construction was undertaken, the building being ready for occupancy on the 1st of February, 1911. It remains today one of the fine business structures of the city and has been a source of gratifying income to the owner, who, having arrived in Oregon with a cash capital of but fifty dollars, is today one of the prosperous residents of the Rose City. This has been the logical outcome of his fit utilization of time and talents. He early realized what a modern Philosopher has said: "Success does not depend upon a map but upon a time-table." Every locality offers its chances for advancement and it is the one who fully uses every moment who soon passes on the highway of life others who perhaps started out ahead of him. Mr. Yeon was married July 17, 1907, to Mrs. Elizabeth Welsh, a daughter of John Mock, and they now have four children: Mary Pauline, John B., Allen Eugene and Norman Leroy. Mr. Yeon and his wife belong to the Catholic church and he is identifled with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Arlington Club and to the Commercial Club and politically is a republican. He was appointed in November, 1920, by Governor Olcott, a member of the Highway Commission of Oregon. He is never neglectful of any duty of citizenship and his cooperation at all times can be counted upon to further plans and projects for the general good, yet business has claimed the greater part of his time and attention and round by round he has climbed the ladder of success. For four years he served on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce and took a most helpful interest In promoting many activities which have constituted forces in the city’s improvement. In 1913 he became road master of Muitnomab county, filling the position for four years and during that period the beautiful Columbia highway was built - one of the finest scenic roads of the entire country. For this he received one dollar a year salary and paid all his own expenses. In 1917 and 1918 he served as supervisor of the Spruce Division for Oregon and in this and many other ways he gave active aid to his country during the war period, seeking ever to uphold the interests of the government and advance the welfare of soldiers in camp and field.