Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1746:

WYATT, CHARLES E. - Generosity and good-nature have not interfered with the material progress of some people. Because of splendid energy, thrift and foresight, they are able not only to build up a good business, but to earn and retain lasting friendships. A valued citizen and honorable business man of Springfield is Charles E. Wyatt, a real estate dealer. He was born on a farm in Morgan County, Ill., April 27, 1858, a son of James M. and Martha J. Luttrell) Wyatt. The Wyatt's are traced back to colonial days in Virginia, whence they migrated to Kentucky, and still later to Illinois at an early day. Both James M. Wyatt and his wife, however, were born in Morgan County, Ill. William J. Wyatt, a member of the family, enlisted in the Mexican War as a private, and was promoted successfully until he was mustered out as Colonel, and now at the age of eighty-five years, is President of the Mexican War Veteran Association. He also served four years in the Civil War. Another relative, William T. Luttrell, served n the Civil War four years. Still another relative, James M. Wyatt, was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, so that the two families have borne well their part in the various conflicts which have convulsed the country, while their material welfare speaks well for their Scotch-Irish descent. James M. Wyatt, father of Charles E. Wyatt, died on a farm in 1872, but his widow survives, residing upon this property, although now eighty-four years old. The children born to this excellent couple were: Charles E.; John William, of Oklahoma; Ella M., who married David I. Martin, and resides in Oklahoma; Frederick L., of Enid, Okla.; Maggie Alberta, who married Charles Louden, and James M., deceased.

The first twenty-four years of his life Charles E. Wyatt spent on a farm, and he was educated at Walnut Grove public school. When he had attained this age, he went to Virden, Ill., where he was engaged in a mercantile business for four years. He then bought a farm north of Virden, operating it for ten years. Once more he located in Virden, but after four years there, bought another farm north of it, and resided until coming to Springfield in 1905, in order that his children might have better educational advantages. Soon after coming there, he became interested in timber lands, now owning 20,000 acres of these lands in Arkansas, as well as considerable reality in Springfield, which includes his own beautiful residence at No. 608 South Walnut Street. For twenty-seven years he has been a member of the old Knights of Labor organization. Politically he is a Democrat, and while a resident of Virden he served as Commissioner. He is now before the public as a candidate of his party for the same office, and if elected, his former experience will be of benefit to him and his constituents. While not connected with any religious organization, he is liberal in his contributions to them all.

Mr. Wyatt was married in Virden, November, 22, 1871, to Margaretta J. Johnson, of that place, daughter of Henry M. and Adeline (Burvines) Johnson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt: Ralph H., December 2, 1886, and Ethel A., May 22, 1889. Having a wide reputation for honesty and industry, and having lived wisely and temperately, Mr. Wyatt is an ideal candidate for an office in which he will represent so many important interests.