John R. Wonch

John R. Wonch

John R. Wonch, farmer, section 21, Croton Township, was born in Ontario, or "Canada West," Jan. 8, 1850. He is of mixed German and French descent, his father, F. S. B. Wonch, having belonged to the former nationality and his mother, Francis (Lefraugh) Wonch, to the latter. Their births occurred in Ontario in 1829 and 1831 respectively.

Mr. Wonch began his independent career at the age of 25, and in 1875 came to Croton, where he has since resided, on the parental farm, which is held as yet undivided by the heirs. He is an adherent to the principles of the National Party. His employment, most of his life, has been that of an agriculturist, saving three years, when he served an apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade, upon which he entered at the age of 16 years.

He was married Dec. 19, 1877, at Howard City, Montcalm County, to M. Louisa, daughter of Mathias T. and Mary A. (Backart) Kline. The father was born in New York in 1827 and resides with his daughter. The mother was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1832, and died in 1873, in Croton Township. The issue of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wonch are two children, Frances Adaline and Mattie Lulu.

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