JOHN W. WYATT, engaged in general farming in White Hall township, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, near Chesterfield, in 1849. His paternal grandfather, William Wyatt, was a native of England and on coming to America settled in Kentucky, whence he removed to Illinois. He was a farmer by occupation as were the maternal ancestors of our subject. On coming to this state he located in White Hall township, Greene county, near Bradshaw Mound. The father of our subject was Thomas Wyatt, who followed farming in White Hall township. He married Nancy Dunham, a daughter of William Dunham, a farmer of Greene county, noted for his religious zeal. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt held membership with the Baptist church and were earnest Christian people. Mr. Wyatt died in 1896, at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife passed away in 1900, at the age of seventy years.

John W. Wyatt was reared on the old family homestead in White Hall township and in his youth attended the public schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he aided in the work of the fields. He has since followed various pursuits, but is now giving his attention to farming and is living upon what is known as the W. W. Hubb farm, upon which he located in 1901. It is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres and no farm in White Hall township shows better thrift and prosperity, for his labors are of a most practical character and he is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of cultivating the soil so that it will yield excellent returns in good harvest. He raises good crops each year and also has some of his land seeded down to clover and timothy.

Mr. Wyatt was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Spencer, a daughter of Elisha and Emily (Armstrong) Spencer. They have become the parents of seven children: Lucy, who died at the age of sixteen months; Roy Lee, who died at the age of two years; Andy O., who was born March 24, 1881; David, twenty-two years of age; Thomas J., born June 9, 1883; Mary, born April 12, 1887; and Nancy E., born October 10, 1896.

Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt hold membership with the Baptist church and are interested in its work and the extension of its influence. He has been a Democrat since age gave to him the right of franchise and although he never seeks office earnestly desires the adoption of the party principles. His entire life has been passed in Greene county, where he has a wide and favorable acquaintance.