Death of Ex-County Clerk, John K. Wyatt. John Knapp Wyatt, Ex-Clerk of Putnam County, and a former well known resident of the town of Patterson, died suddenly at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Herman S. Rogers, No. 41 Lake Avenue, Danbury, Conn., on Thursday night, Dec. 9th. When he retired in the evening, it was not noticed but he was as well as usual. Friday morning when his granddaughter went to his room to call him to breakfast, she found him dead in his bed. A coroner viewed the remains but it was so apparent that death was due to general wearing out by old age that no inquest was considered necessary. Mr. Wyatt was born in February, 1809, on the farm in Patterson, now owned by Herman S. Rogers. His parents were Josiah and Rachel Jones Wyatt. He had one brother, Henry Wyatt and two sisters, Huldah, wife of Samuel Towner and Miss Sarah Wyatt. All are dead except Miss Wyatt, who resides with her niece, Mrs. Elihu Kent, of Patterson. Mr. Wyatt married Julia Barnum, daughter of the late Azor Barnum, and a half-sister of Thomas and the late LeRay Barnum. One son, Azor, and a daughter, Sarah A., were born to them, both of whom are dead. His wife died about sixteen years ago. In his younger days he kept a hotel at Sodom, in the town of Southeast, which was a very popular resort; it being headquarters for politicians and showmen from all over the surrounding country, and it was the scene of many political meetings and other gatherings. He sold the hotel property and soon after received a position in the Now York Post Office which he held for eight years. After leaving the postal service he came back to the old homestead in Patterson and followed farming for some time. In 1862 he was elected County Clerk on the Democratic ticket and held the office continuously until 1875 being twice re-elected to the position. He was also an excellent auctioneer and his services were sought far and near.
After he vacated the office of County Clerk, he continued to reside in Patterson, until four years ago when he removed to Danbury with his granddaughter, Mrs. Rogers, where he has since made his home. In his active days the deceased was a bright intelligent man, upright in all his dealings, social and pleasant in disposition and generous to a fault. He was highly esteemed by relatives, friends and business associates alike. Mr. Wyatt is survived by his sister, Miss Wyatt, one granddaughter, Mrs. Rogers, one grandson, William Brower, of Kansas, and a niece, and a number of nephews, among whom are James E., John W. and W.A. Towner. The funeral services were held at the Four Corners Baptist Church, Patterson, on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Oliver S. Dean officiating. Remains interred in the Four Corners Cemetery, beside those of his wife. — PUTNAM COUNTY REPUBLICAN, CARMEL, N.Y., DEC. 18, 1897.

12 Dec 2009 photo.