Lung On

Lung On (1863–1940) was a Chinese scholar, and businessman who immigrated to Oregon in the United States. He opened the apothecary store, Kam Wah Chung, alongside his partner, Ing "Doc" Hay. On became an established figure in the community of John Day, Oregon. He represented Chinese laborers as an interpreter and translator since he was fluent in both Chinese and English. On established businesses with investments in labor, mining, real estate, and automobile dealership. He was well-respected in his community and remained in John Day, Oregon until his death in 1940.

Early life Lung On (Leon, ) was born in Guangdong Providence, China in 1863. Coming from a wealthy family he studied to be a Chinese scholar, becoming fluent in English and Chinese. He would depart to the United States, leaving his family, a wife and daughter, behind in China. He never returned. On initially immigrated to Oregon as a miner, being quoted in a newspaper as saying he was there "for the purpose of getting gold out of the earth." He arrived in San Francisco in 1882, around the time of the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act, that limited the entering of Chinese immigrants into the country. On was able to enter on an exception for teachers and merchants, given his scholarly and business background. He would travel to John Day, Oregon in 1887, where he eventually meet Ing Hay, a Chinese herbalist. On and Hay become business partners in an apothecary store, Kam Wah Chung in 1888.

Life in John Day, Oregon

Kam Wah Chung Co. and investments On was in charged of the Kum Wah Chung's business' affairs. The store had many functions that catered to the needs of the community. One of these functions was a post office for those who wanted to send money and letters to their families in China. Lung On would help translate and write letters for senders who couldn't on their own. In the store after the two owners had passed, many letters were found, including letters from On's family in China. In those letters his family begged for his return to China.

On would then open the first automobile dealership and service station in Eastern Oregon, called Tourist Garage. He would continue to operate the business till he died in 1940.

Death and museum

Lung On would die at the age of 78 in December 1940 in John Day, Oregon. His remains were buried at Restlawn Cemetery in John Day. Ing Hay was buried beside him when he passed in 1948. The estate of the property of Kam Wah Chung would be split with Ing Hay and the funds would've gone to On's family in China but it was never able to leave. The store would continue to run after his death until Hay's death in 1948. The store eventually became property of the state and remained untouched until 1988 when it was turned into a historical museum.

Lung On was remembered as a very kind and intelligent man, resourceful, helpful and respected amongst the community.