WYATT, James Watson 1858-1955

WYATT, PIERCE, LOCKE, ROOKS

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 12/8/2010 at 19:35:43

RITES CONDUCTED
WEDNESDAY FOR
OLDEST RESIDENT

James Watson Wyatt
Born in Log Cabin
Succumbs At 97 1/2.

Nora Springs' oldest resident, James W. Wyatt, 97 1/2, died at his home here Monday, July 11. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, July 13, in the Nora Springs Methodist church. The pastor, the Rev. J. Ellis Webb, officiated at the rites.

Interment was in Spring Grove cemetery, north of Nora Springs. (1955).

James Watson Wyatt, son of James and Elizabeth Pierce Wyatt, was born on January 16, 1858 in a log cabin two miles north and a half mile west of Nora Springs.

His entire life of 97 years had been spent in this community, with the exception of his college years at Upper Iowa University, where he graduated in 1884.

He had had teaching experence at Fayette, was principal of the Volga schools for four years and held positions as superintendent of the schools in Wauconia and Clermont; after which he farmed until his retirement in 1920.

On August 17, 1887 he was married to Flora Locke. To this union four children were born; Alvah L., deceased, Mrs. Bert (Ruth) Rooks, Roy G., of St. Paul, Minn., and Gertrude, at home.

My Wyatt has been a life-long member of the Nora Springs Methodist church and took an active part in its sprititual and social life. He had served as township trustee and was school secretary of the Rock Grove township for 25 years. He was township assessor and town assessor for many years.

Mr and Mrs. Wyatt were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding in 1937 and they were active members of the North Iowa Golden Wedding club for many years, and enjoyed the gatherings.
Quoting from one of Mr. Wyatt's addresses, given at a Golden Wedding club meeting, "We have lived in the best part of two centuries and have tried to make the world a better place to live."

He is survived by three children; Roy of St. Paul, Mrs. Rooks and Gertrude Wyatt of Nora Springs; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.