Johann
Everett J. Thomas lives in Goshen, Ind., and is the editor of a national magazine called The Mennonite, the official periodical for the Mennonite Church USA denomination. When a relative discovered Johann Thomas' gravestone in a cow pasture near Refton, Pa., Thomas was inspired to write this fictional account of Johann's early years in Penn's Woods (Pennsylvania). Thomas' childhood home was in the town of Willow Street, Pa., located less than 10 miles from where Johann's family established their farm by 1757. Everett has served on the Goshen City Council since 1992. But historically, Mennonites have not voted or served in elective office. Everett's experience (holding political office while serving as a Mennonite church leader) contributed to the story of colonial Mennists (Mennonites) collaborating with Friends in Pennsylvania.