Iype Yohannan (Yohannachen, 6)

Yohannan, the second son of Pothan Iype, moved from Kallarackal to the Thoppil homestead. It is his descendants that belong to the Thoppil sub-branch.

Iype Yohannan was equally interested in agriculture and spiritual matters. After his primary education, he entered agriculture. From childhood, he showed more interest in spiritual matters than agriculture, 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 has helped in the construction of church institutions by giving his own land and buying other land. He also helped in establishing Nilackal church and Horeb church. It was along with his close companion and soul friend, Pothan, the son of Valiyamannil Philippose Kathanar, that Yohannan carried on his church activites. A Sunday School was established for Bible study 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. The school now exists as 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 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 as an evangelist, for some period, at his own expense. 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, who was interested in religious and social activities was also an adventurer in agricultural matters. He bought 300 acres of private forest land at Ullayam, on the eastern side of Vazhoor village, cleared and cultivated the area where wild animals roamed, along with his brother Varghese. He married Aachiyamma, a member of Olassa Padinjarekkuttu family. They lived in the Thoppil homestead and had sons named Iype, Kurian, John, Mathew and daughters, Aleyamma, Sosamma, Mariamma and Annamma. Yohannan died of pneumonia at the age of 63. Achiyamma passed away at the age of 93. Both were cremated at Ericadu Moria Marthoma church.