Joseph W. Yost

Joseph Warren Yost in 1896

Born	1847 Clarington, Ohio
Died	1923 Avalon, Pennsylvania
Nationality	American
Occupation	Architect

Buildings	Orton Hall, First Church of Christ, Scientist, several courthouses

Joseph W. Yost (1847–1923) was a prominent architect from Ohio whose works included many courthouses and other public buildings. Some of his most productive years were spent as a member of the Yost and Packard partnership.

Early life

Joseph Warren Yost was born in Clarington, Ohio in 1847, son of Joel and Nancy Yost. Yost began architectural studies in 1869 under the direction of Joseph Fairfax, an architect from Wheeling, West Virginia. After finishing his apprenticeship he started his own architecture firm in Bellaire.

Life in Columbus

Harrison County Courthouse in Cadiz, Ohio

Yost made a decision in 1882 to move his firm to Columbus with the hope of more lucrative contracts. The move was a success as his firm became more in demand. The architect built his house in 1884 in Columbus and became an official full-time resident. Yost organized the Association of Ohio Architects in 1885, an association still operating today.

In 1892, Yost entered into partnership with another prominent Columbus architect, Frank Packard to form the firm of Yost & Packard. His nephew, Joel Edward McCarty was also an architect and worked for the firm. It was around this time he was awarded and completed what may possibly be his most famous work from this time, and possibly his career: Orton Hall at Ohio State University in 1893. His partner Packard was awarded the Hayes Hall on the same campus. During this partnership, a promotional portfolio placed the total count of buildings designed around 230, including several courthouses, other public buildings, and institutional structures in both Ohio and West Virginia.

Life in New York City

Yost decided to move to New York in 1900, hoping for larger projects. He partnered with Albert D'Oench to form the firm of D'Oench & Yost in 1901. This partnership saw the grant of the Guardian Life Insurance Building, the Grace building, and the Morris Hunts' Tribune Building. When his partner D'Oench died, Yost took up his own private practice until his retirement in 1921.

Death

Yost died in Avalon, Pennsylvania at the age of 76.

Major works

Yost's work includes: