Everett J. Thomas (F'72-89) has published a novel, Johann, a fictional account of an immigrant ancestor’s life as a Mennonite boy in Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. The book is available at Amazon.

Everett provides the following synopsis of his book: "Eight-year old Johann and his family arrived in Pennsylvania in 1747 on a ship named Restauration. The Thomas family, Mennonite pacifists escaping persecution in Europe, arrived just in time to experience the end of the Friends' control of the Pennsylvania legislature with pacifism as the official state policy toward Native Americans. This historical fiction traces Johann's next ten years through the unfolding French and Indian War."

Everett says the inspiration for his book began when a relative discovered Johann Thomas' gravestone in a cow pasture near Refton, Pa. Everett's 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 taught English and Bible at Bethany and then served as development director and assistant principal. He still resides in Goshen, where he has been editor of The Mennonite since 2000. He has also served on the Goshen City Council since 1992. Everett notes that his experience of holding political office while serving as a Mennonite church leader contributed to the story of colonial Mennists (Mennonites) collaborating with Friends in Pennsylvania in his novel.