John Northon (1872–1952) was a versatile and enterprising resident of Vernon Township who successfully bridged the gap between specialized agriculture and industrial manufacturing in Clare County.

• Poultry Expertise: Operating his homestead in Vernon Township near the turn of the 20th century, Northon achieved widespread regional recognition as a master poultry farmer.
• The Prize Breed: He specialized extensively in breeding and raising high-grade Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, a staple American dual-purpose breed prized for its distinct black-and-white striped feathers, reliable egg production, and hardy disposition.
• Exhibition Success: Northon’s focus on clean genetics and optimal breeding standards made him a prominent figure in mid-Michigan agricultural circles, showcasing the capacity of Clare County farms to produce top-tier market livestock.

• The Mud Road Problem: At the dawn of the automotive era, rural township roads were notoriously primitive, prone to deep ruts, dangerous potholes, and severe seasonal washout.
• Mechanical Innovation: Utilizing his practical blacksmithing and agricultural engineering skills, Northon invented a highly effective mechanical road leveler machine designed to smoothly grade and re-contour dirt and gravel transit paths.
• The Race Track Variant: His technical designs proved so precise and reliable that he adapted the heavy-duty machinery to manufacture specialized race track levelers, engineered to perfectly grade soil surfaces for horse racing tracks.

• Local Enterprise: Transitioning from full-time farming to manufacturing, he established the Clare Road Leveler Works to build, assemble, and distribute his heavy industrial equipment.
• Widespread Distribution: Northon's machinery gained popularity far beyond mid-Michigan, requiring him to travel out of state to major racing hubs—such as Shelbyville, Indiana—to personally oversee the delivery and final assembly of his custom leveling units.
• Industrial Legacy: Operating and innovating well into the mid-20th century, Northon passed away in January 1952, leaving a legacy as an individual who transformed a practical understanding of rural infrastructure into a thriving Clare manufacturing business.