John C., the son of John W. and Huldah Penn, was born April 12, 1846, at the old homestead in Jackson Township, Carroll County, Ind. His boyhood was passed on the home farm, in the cultivation of which he cheerfully contributed his assistance. He acquired a good common school education by attending the district schools of the township, and grew up well informed upon all subjects of general interest. By his every-day surroundings he was being educated in the details of farming, and when he arrived at an age to discern for himself and choose an occupation, he wisely selected that with which he was most familiar. Until he attained the age of twenty-one years, he remained in the employ of his father; but upon attaining his majority he was presented by the latter with a tract of land, partially cleared, upon which to begin life on his own account. This he exchanged, shortly afterward for the farm upon which he now resides, and, for three years following made his home with his parents, cultivating and improving his farm in the mean time.
On the 22d of December, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Kennedy, daughter of John R. and Leah Kennedy, who were early settlers and prominent citizens of Rock Creek Township in this county. Immediately after marriage, Mr. Penn located upon his farm, where he has ever since continued to devote his attention to the pursuit of this, his chosen occupation. He is yet a young man, but, by improving well his opportunities, has already gained a fair start on road to the goal of every man’s ambition, a fortune. His financial success is the result of his personal industry and tireless energy, rather than any special fortune. He has avoided speculation, content to attain success through the medium of farming, knowing it to be sure, if slow. In connection with this pursuit, he has been engaged for some years in the manufacture of cider, which under his management, has developed into an industry of considerable magnitude. He has the latest and best machinery for this purpose, and his customers come from a distance of ten and twelve miles to have their cider manufactured by him.
Mr. Penn has grown from infancy to manhood within the township where he now resides, and his life and character are so well known that any attempt at portrayal here, however eulogistic, would do the subject but feeble justice; and no word from the writer’s pen could increase the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He is a member of the Baptist Church at Camden, and exemplifies his profession in his every day life.
In his business transactions he has always been actuated by a high sense of honor, and , by his uniformly fair dealing has established a record for integrity of which his family may justly feel proud.
His noble wife has been a valued assistant in his temporal prosperity, and has cheered and encouraged him through many a hard struggle. They have a beautiful home, surrounded with the comforts and conveniences of life, and made happier by the sunny presence of five bright, intelligent children who have come to bless their wedded life, viz.: Brady Oscar, Amy, Minnie, Roscoe R. and Elmer.
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net