Iype Yohannan (Yohannachen, 6)

Pothan Iype’s 2nd son, Yohannan moved from Kallarackal to the Thoppil homestead. It is his descendants that belong to the Thoppil sub-branch. Iype Yohannan was equally interested in farming and spiritual matters. After his primary education, he took up farming. From childhood, he showed keen interest in spiritual matters, possibly due to his father’s inspiration. Yohannan, who was an active member of the Marthoma church gave leadership and help in establishing Ericadu Moria Marthoma church, Ullayam Marthoma church and Vakathanam Marthoma church. He helped in the construction of church institutions by giving his own land and buying others’ land. He also helped in establishing Nilackal Orthodox church and Horeb Marthoma church. It was along with his close companion and soul friend Pothan, the son of Valiyamannil Philipose Kathanar that Yohannan carried out his church activities. A sunday school was established at Ericadu, Kadamuri and Meenadom areas for the children belonging to all church denominations. Yohannan and Pothan, who worked together started a primary school in Marangattu at Kadamuri. This school is now a Govt. U.P. school. He was a zealous and energetic evangelist. He conducted regular evangelical public meetings along with a group of people at places like Areepparampu, Meenadom, Vakathanam and Puthupally. As a result many people were converted. When he went to a public meeting in Vakathanam, Vakathanam church Vicar Ennasseril Yohannan Kathanar and his friends created obstacles in the meeting. Years later Yohannan Kathanar gave his niece in marriage to the youngest son of Iype Yohannan. Yohannan went to Palakkad, which was a mission field of Marthoma church and worked there as an evangelist at his own expense for some period. While remaining firm in the Episcopal church faith, he was also a father who was open hearted to work in harmony with missionary groups of other church denominations. The authorities of the Salvation Army were called to Ullayam and they were given free land to set up a house of worship and an L.P. school there. His house was a sanctuary for the Brethren community advisors. At a time of untouchability, the poor Christians were entertained in his house along with others. Moreover, he participated in ball meals along with the Parayas and Pulayas. When there was a cholera outbreak in the area, he led the way with his colleagues and other officials in burying the bodies of the dead. He was one among those who struggled in the forefront to cut the Puthuppally – Karukachal road.

Yohannan was also an adventurer in agricultural matters. He bought 300 acres of private forest land at Ullayam, on the eastern side of Vazhoor village where wild animals roamed, cleared and cultivated the area along with his brother Varghese. He married Aachiamma, a member of Olassa Padinjarekkuttu family. They lived in the Thoppil homestead and had sons Iype, Kurian, John, Mathew & daughters Aleyamma, Sosamma, Mariamma and Annamma. Yohannan passed away of pneumonia at the age of 63 and Achiamma passed away at the age of 93. Both were buried at Moria Marthoma church, Ericadu.