How the Wyatts Came to Sangamon County

The Wyatts didn't always live in Sangamon County, though the family has set up camp here for over a century. For this story, we travel all the way back to the 1837 with a baby named Edward.

Edward Wyatt was born around 1837 somewhere in Illinois. His parents were both born in Kentucky. We do not know much about Edward in his early years, but we find him and his family living in Morgan County, Illinois, in 1860. Edward (23) is married to Nellie (23) and lives with children Oscar H. (2) and Orlando (2 months). The family has personal estate valued at $150. Edward is a farm laborer.

1860 United States Census, Murraysville Precinct, Morgan County, Illinois

Ten years later, we find that the family has moved. The family now lives in the Lancaster Precinct of Cass County, Illinois. Edward (33) and Nellie (33) are living with sons Oscar (11), Orlando (9), Grant (7), Eugene (5), and Eddith (3). Edward is still a farmer, though his value has increased substantially in just ten years. He now shows real estate value of $2000 and personal estate value of $930.

1870 United States Census, Lancaster Precinct, Cass County (Ashland Post Office), Illinois

Ten years later we find that the family has grown even more but still lives in Cass County, Illinois. Edward (43) is still married to Nellie (44) and living with children: Oscar (22), Orlando (20), Grant (18), Eugene (16), Edith (12), Rolf (8), and Pearl (2). Edward is still a farmer.

1880 United States Census, Cass County, Illinois

Twenty years later, we pick up the story with the eldest son Oscar. [Of importance, the 1880 census said Oscar's father Edward was born in Illinois, while the 1900 says Kentucky.]. Oscar has moved out and begun a family of his own.

We find Oscar (42) married to his wife Emma (40) living with four children. To carry on the tradition of mom's name starting with an "E", the children are named: Essie M. (19), Estella (15), Edward (11) [named after his grandpa], and Edna H. (5). Just like his father, Oscar is a farm laborer. The family rents a house somewhere in the Riverton section of Clear Lake Township in Sangamon County, Illinois.

1900 United States Census, Clear Lake Township, Riverton Section, Sangamon County, Illinois

Twenty years later, we find young Edward all grown up and raising a family of his own. He has stayed close to his home in Riverton, moving just a few miles to the west into Capitol Township, and is raising two sons. Edward (30) is married to Virginia and living with sons Glenn (7) and Raleigh (6). Edward is a baker in a baker shop.

1920 United States Census, Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, Illinois

Ten years later, the family is found living in Springfield, Illinois (Capitol Township). Edward (41) and Virginia (38) live with children Glenn E. (18), Raleigh E. (16), and Robert H. (8). Edward is shown as owning a home worth $6000, and the family has a radio in the household. Edward is still a baker, and we learn that he bakes for "Community Co." His son Glenn is listed as a "baker helper" at the same place.

1930 United States Census, Capitol Township, Sangamon County, Illinois

Ten years later we find eldest son Glenn moved out on his own with his own family. Glenn is now married to Elsie (Mae Crouse). Glenn (28) and Elsie (28) and raising Jackie L. (4) and Glenn T. (1). Glenn is shown as only completing 10th grade while Elsie completed high school. They own a home worth $2000. Glenn is a machine operator at a tractor manufacturing company and lists 44 hours as a typical work week. His income for the year was $1200.

1940 United States Census, Village of Southern View, Woodside Township, Sangamon County, Illinois

Little Jackie grows up and has his own family, one being a son whom he names Kenneth. Kenneth gives birth to Kristin, and Kristin gives birth to Gabe...the story continues on...