John Vyvyan, of Yorkville Township, had no capital when he began farming on his own account, but possessed enterprise and good judgment and as the years have passed has prospered. He has given land to each of his children, but still holds one hundred and sixty acres, on which he is engaged in general farming. His birth occurred in Raymond Township, this County, on the 15th of November. 1850, and he is a son of William and Matilda Vyvyan, both of whom were born in Cornwall, England. They came to America, however, in young manhood and womanhood and their marriage occurred in Yorkville Township, Racine County. The father followed the butchering business during the greater part of his life, but also was interested in farming and held title to a large tract of land. He had a wide acquaintance and was recognized as a public-spirited and valuable citizen. In politics he was a republican and his religious faith was that of the Methodist church. His demise occurred in 1901.
John Vyvyan, who is one of three children surviving of a family of six, was educated in the common schools of Raymond Township and also early became familiar with agricultural work. After farming for several years he conducted a butcher shop in Union Grove for three years, but at the end of that time, or in 1871, bought his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres, in Yorkville Township. He has erected a fine modern residence and outbuildings and has made many other improvements upon the place, which is one of the most valuable properties in the locality. The old house, in which he lived for several years after first taking up his residence upon this farm, is still standing. He also formerly owned other tracts of land, which he has given to his children. He is still actively engaged in stock raising and dairying and his well directed labor yields him a good financial return.
Mr. Vyvyan was married in 1868 to Miss Agnes Hunter, who was born in Scotland, but was brought by her parents to the United States when only three years of age. The family located in Raymond Township, and there the father, William Hunter, is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Vyvyan were born seven children: William, Benjamin. Walter, -John E. and Roy, all residents of Yorkville Township; Mary, the wife of C. Rockey, who is engaged in the cement business in Racine, and Margaret, the wife of George Christensen, a merchant of Racine. The wife and mother passed away in August. 1914, and her demise was deeply regretted not only by her family but also by her many friends.
The Republican Party has a stanch supporter in Mr. Vyvyan and he takes commendable interest in everything affecting the public welfare, although not an office seeker. He belongs to the Yorkville Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his wife is also identified, and in all relations of life has measured up to high standards of conduct. He has passed his entire life in Racine County and the fact that those who have known him intimately since boyhood are his warmest friends is proof of his genuine worth.