James Jimmerson Wyatt (abt. 1804 - abt. 1867)

Born about 1804 in Tennessee, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1867 at about age 63 in Tennessee, United States

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Biography

James Jimmerson Wyatt, born around 1800 in Tennessee, was the son of Daniel Wyatt and Sarah Martha (Wells) Wyatt. His family lineage was a tapestry of Swiss ancestry from North Carolina and Scotch descent from Virginia, reflecting the diverse heritage of the early American settlers.

The historical record places James Jimmerson Wyatt in Stewart County, Tennessee, in 1850, where he engaged in farming to make a living. A dedicated agriculturist, he toiled on his land, tending to crops and livestock in pursuit of sustenance and livelihood.

In 1852, James Wyatt made a significant decision that would shape the course of his life and his family's future. He relocated his family to Arkansas, settling in Independence County. There, he acquired forty acres of land, embarking on the challenging task of clearing the timbered landscape. The land he tamed became a testament to his hard work and determination, and it also provided the backdrop for his passion for hunting. With a trusty rifle by his side, James was renowned for his hunting skills, successfully taking down wolves, bears, panthers, and wild turkeys, further showcasing his resourcefulness in providing for his family.

By 1860, James Jimmerson Wyatt had moved to Greenbrier Township in Independence County, Arkansas, near the Alderbrook post office. His commitment to farming remained unwavering, as he continued to work the land to sustain his family.

In 1867, an enigmatic turn of events occurred in James Wyatt's life. He made a trip back to Tennessee, likely to settle and dispose of some property he still had there. After completing his business in Tennessee, he began the journey back to his home in Arkansas. Tragically, somewhere along the way, likely after crossing the Tennessee River, James Wyatt disappeared without a trace. His fate remained shrouded in mystery, leaving his family to grapple with speculation about his sudden disappearance. Many suspected foul play, suggesting that he may have been a victim of robbery or violence, but the truth of his fate remained elusive and haunting to those who mourned his passing. James Jimmerson Wyatt's life and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance serve as a poignant reminder of the uncertainties and mysteries that have marked the history of early American settlers and pioneers.

Sources

• Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas: Comprising a Condensed History of the State, a Number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the Same, a Brief Descriptive History of Each of the Counties Named Herein, and Numerous Biographical Sketches of the Prominent Citizens of Such Counties. United States: Southern Historical Press, 1978. "Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas." Accessed 28 Sep 2023.
• 1850 United States Federal Census: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Stewart, Tennessee; Roll: 896; Page: 448b Ancestry Record 8054 #6571522
• 1860 United States Federal Census: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Greenbrier, Independence, Arkansas; Roll: M653_43; Page: 312; Family History Library Film: 803043 Ancestry Record 7667 #13138572

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Sherri Bowers for starting this profile.

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