John Daniel Boon (1817-1864) was a Methodist lay minister who came to Oregon in 1845. He built a single-story house on Mill Creek, where he lived with his wife and their seven children.

    He was an enterprising man, involved with the Willamette Woolen Manufacturing Company, dry goods merchandising, and the development of railroad and telegraph communications. Boon was Treasurer of the Oregon Territory and the first Treasurer of the State of Oregon.

    If you stop by the Boon House, you might find Melinda Boon and Amanda Judson decorating the Christmas tree, with visits from other young people of the community and the occasional conversation with their Mother. You might find the younger children stringing popcorn or doing their lessons.

    As you can see by the furnishings in the house, the family was quite well-to-do. They had one of the few coal stoves in Oregon. we have yet to figure out the sleeping arrangements for seven children and two adults in this tiny house.