J. J. Wyatt

As printed in 1881

ELDER J. J. WYATT.

One of the most worthy citizens that ever made his home in St. Joseph was born in Sinclair County, Illinois, July 13, 18 19. On the 22d of September, 1821, his mother died and his father removed to Fleming County, Kentucky, where the youth of Mr. Wyatt was spent. He enjoyed good educational advantages and was a diligent student. Forming a taste for the practice of law he entered the office of John Cavan, a leading attorney of the place, and after a thorough preparation was admitted to the bar. He was married March 28, 1844, to Miss Emily M., Gooding. To them twelve children were born only three of whom are now living.

In June, 1845, Elder Watt came to St. Joseph and commenced the practice of his profession. He filled the office of Probate Judge and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and during the years 1866 and 1867 he was Postmaster of St. Joseph and in the various positions of trust and honor, which he was called to fill, he discharged his official duties with scrupulous care and fidelity. He identified himself with the Christian Church in November, 1850, and at once commenced preaching the Word of Life. He was called to take pastoral charge of the Christian Church, of which he was the founder. The congregation first held their meetings in a little log church, situated on the hill, where the present stately court house now stands. He continued in charge of the church for a number of years, and only left its pastoral charge at his own request. But in the meantime he had seen the congregation increase from a mere handful to a large number, rich in means and influence, and powerful for great good in our midst. During the past twenty-one years. Elder Wyatt had charge of Union Church, near Taos, in this county, and for fifteen years he has preached steadily at Bethel. He, at the time of his death, also had charge of the congregations at Camden Point and Antioch. Elder Wyatt passed an active life, and the best part of his days were spent in the ministry — preaching the word of God to mankind to make them better men, and better christians. It was a work in which he took earnest interest, and it was his delight to be at work in the harness, doing the greatest good to the greatest number. The deceased was one of the founders of the college at Camden Point, and at the time of his death was one of the trustees of that institution. He was a man of strong personal attachments, and he endeared to him all who knew him. He died suddenly, April 9, i88r. His private life and public record are alike untarnished, and the esteem in which he was held by the pastors of the city is expressed in the following resolutions:

Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our midst by death, our beloved brother and co-laborer in the gospel of Christ, Elder J. J. Wyatt; therefore

Resolved, By the Pastor's Union of St. Joseph, Missouri, that in the death of Brother Wyatt, the cause of Christ has lost one of its brightest ornaments, and most devoted, efficient and worthy ministerial laborers.

Second, That as ministers we feel that it is due to the departed, and a great, though sad privilege to us to give expression, to our very high appreciation of the sterling worth and Christian character of our brother in the ministry and of his efficient labors and influence for good as a minister of the Lord Jesus.

Third, That in the mature Christian character and exemplary life of Rev. Mr. Wyatt we feel that our holy calling has been honored before God, and the community in which he has so long lived and labored, and by whom he was so well and so favorably known, and that we will ever cherish his Christian spirit and example, and be encouraged to greater diligence and fidelity in our calling as ministers of God by the memory

As printed in The history of Buchanan County, Missouri (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.