McCurtain Co. OK - Biography:  Rev. James Dyer

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Submitted by: Cindy Young    CindyYoung@aol.com
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Rev. James Dyer was born near Eagletown, McCurtain County, in 1838 and 
died August 7, 1921, within a few miles of the place where he was born. 
He was one of the most prominent Indians of the Choctaw Nation from his 
early manhood until within a few years of his death. When he was 18 
years old Rev. Cyrus Kingsberry, a Presbyterian minister took him to 
Nashville, Tenn., and gave him four years in school. He was a skilled 
carpenter. On his return home, he was elected representative to the
Choctaw Council at Naniwaya near Tuskahoma, from what was at that time 
Eagle County, Indian Territory. From then on he represented his people in
their Councils from time to time until statehood. He also represented the 
Choctaw Nation as a delegate at Washington. He also was a member of the 
Choctaw Commission that met with the Dawes Commission and assisted in 
winding up the affairs of the Five Civilized Tribes preparatory to 
statehood. He joined the Presbyterian Church, James Dyer was licensed 
to preach in September 1875 and was ordained in April 1879. He was a full
blood Choctaw Indian, and spoke both Choctaw and English. There were always
a few white people scattered through the Congregation.
     
Rev. Dyer's pay was very small. But he farmed to supplement his income, 
and did odd jobs of carpentry work. But he always had plenty to eat and 
many to feed. Usually there were 7 in the family, but there were relatives
and friends frequently at his home. He traveled by horse or buggy. The
roads were narrow and rough, but he always kept his appointments on schedule. 
Carrying his water and lunch, as some times it would take him several
hours traveling. He led an active life and accomplished a great deal in a 
moral and religious way for his race. After he had grown old and physically 
unable to preach or work, the Presbytery was discussing the problem and
securring aid.  Silas Bacon, who worked so faithfully for Goodland
Orphanage, arose and said, "'My brothern take my salary and give it to 
James Dyer. I am a young man and can work for my support. James Dyer is 
now old and infirm and needs help more than I do. "This wonderful spirit 
could hardly be equaled anywhere.

                            By:  Helen Wolfe