In the fall of 2015, the Family History Division published the writings of John J. Yost, Newton County Historian, editor of the local newspaper and keeper of the local diary. His writings which spanned six decades are compiled in a 2 volume, hard bound set. 

Click here to view the Table of Contents for each Volume:

Book One

Book Two

Here is the introduction written by friend, Mara Davis.

      "John Joseph Yost was born in Kentland, IN, on July 27, 1946, to Paul and Betty (Barce) Yost. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, AJ Kent High School, Valparaiso University, and Indiana University, obtaining various degrees and certificates along the way. He was, above all else, a kind-hearted soul - generous with his time, knowledge, enthusiasm, and generally limited material assets. He loved his hometown of Kentland, the County of Newton in which it is located, and spent his lifetime gathering historical bits of information, personal stories, photographs - anything within his reach regarding said geographical spots.

       "His occupations varied throughout his life: sports writer, teacher, men's fashion, newspaper owner, newspaper editor, and opera agent, to his last career as a probation officer. Those were jobs that provided funds for living - his true passion was as a writer - a chronicler, actually. Through his involvement with the assorted communities in which he lived, John soaked up the stories of the people and the towns and the way of life as time marched along. He could write about life in such a way as to make the reader feel as though he were speaking to them in person. But the most beloved part of any moment with John was to listen to him tell those stories - to watch his body movements, hear his voice in its low rumbling way, and catch those fabulous facial expressions that were vital to the tale and its proper telling.

       "The book you have in your hands is a compilation of those stories, the news of those days gone by - a chronicle of Kentland and her residents from his perspective. For those of you who were lucky enough to grow up in the era of Yost, you are about to take a trip back in time - where the characters that are somewhere tucked away in your mind are about to come back to life. As you read along, you will hear his voice ring out, bright and clear. You will see his face in your mind as he told that story to you the first or second time, and then you will do the same thing you did then - the smile will spread across your face and you will tip your head back and the laughter will come billowing out!

       "He would be so excited that his friends and family took the time to gather his thoughts and writings from across the decades so that they
would not be lost to the world. He shall forevermore be recognized as a comrade with the likes of another local boy, George Ade, who was also known for his stories of the town and its people. So, dear reader, please enjoy this book of Yost. And to John we say, thank you wonderful friend, for these precious memories. We miss you very much. - Mara P. Davis, Kentland, IN, February 6, 2015"

If you would like to purchase set of the books, please send your check for $55 plus $15 shipping and handling to the Newton County Historical Society, PO Box 303, Kentland, IN 47951