Why are Jon Boats called Jon's?

Answer 1

The specific origin in time and space of the term John bo at, as in the term Ozark, is unknown. However, like the term hillbilly, johnboat entered selected areas of Ozark oral tradition in the early twentieth century. Although there is no direct relationship between the two terms, they came to share common origins in journalistic vernacular as a result of urban visitors who came into regions of the Southern Mountains to observe, write, and enjoy recreation. Hillbilly was an import from the East, a stereotype for people in Southern Appalachia imposed upon Ozarkers, but john boat probably came from the lower Mississippi River Valley, diffused northward into the Ozarks along the lower White River and its tributary riverways. From about 1915 to 1940 "johnboat" was applied to several types of watercraft having different lengths, widths, degrees of rake and sheer, and function. The term thus became a generic one. "Ozark johnboat," however, became the craft specifically associated with commercial tourism in the Ozarks. The following survey suggests many knotty problems associated with the term johnboat and anoutline of its unique history.

* http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/periodicals/wrv/V37/N3/w98d.htmBecause that's their name!