Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Lyons, Brothers 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 7, 2008, 2:46 am

Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907

The Lyons brothers, James, Thomas and John, are well known business men of 
Joliet, dealing in lumber and coal, with offices at 114 Michigan avenue and 
105 Eastern avenue, their yards extending through from one street to the 
other. This company was organized in September, 1897, the three brothers 
becoming partners and taking an active interest in the development of the 
business. They are native sons of Joliet and their parents are John and Susan 
(Finney) Lyons, both now deceased. The father was born in Ireland and when a 
young man came to the United States, taking up his abode in Joliet about 1856 
or 1857. He was originally a carpenter and in 1875 engaged in the lumber 
business on South Bluff street, this location proving convenient for shipment 
by canal. He continued in the trade until his death, which occurred in 
September, 1903, when he was seventy-two years of age. His life was thus one 
of activity and usefulness and in his business career he commanded respect and 
confidence by reason of his fidelity to high principles and straightforward 
dealing. He served as supervisor of Joliet township through election on the 
democratic ticket and he kept well informed on political issues and questions. 
He held membership in the Catholic church, as did his wife, who was born in 
Channahon township, Will county, Illinois, a daughter of Bernard Finney, who 
was a farmer and made his home in Channahon township until his death, which 
occurred over a quarter of a century ago. The marriage of John Lyons and Susan 
Finney was celebrated at the home of the bride and soon afterward they removed 
to Joliet. The husband survived his wife for many years, for she passed away 
in 1884, at the age of thirty-nine. In the family were four sons and three 
daughters, including William, who is engaged in the lumber business in Joliet; 
Mrs. Anna Cassidy, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mrs. Susan Ward, of 
Versailles, Ohio; and Mary, who died in Joliet in 1902. All were reared in 
this city and the children of the family were students in the public schools. 
The three brothers thus associated were public-school students and in early 
life became connected with the lumber business through the assistance which 
they rendered their father. They have always continued in this line of trade 
and in Septemper, 1897, they organized the present company as a partnership. 
They carry a full line of lumber, builders' materials and supplies and fuel, 
and employ five teams and seven or eight men to carry on the business, while 
the three brothers are all active in its management and conduct. They are 
progressive men, energetic and determined, and their long experience in this 
line has well qualified them for the conduct of a successful trade. James 
Lyons was married to Miss Mary Rogan, who was born and reared in Joliet and is 
a daughter of Thomas Rogan, an old resident of Will county, now deceased. Her 
mother, however, is living in this city at the age of sixty-five years. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. James Lyons have been born three children who are yet living, 
Albert, Harold and James, and they also lost three who died in infancy. The 
family residence is at No. 117 South Center street, where Mr. Lyons has built 
a pleasant and commodious home. In politics he is independent, voting for men 
and measures rather than party. Socially he is connected with the Knights of 
Columbus and his religious faith is indicated by the fact that he is a 
communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic church. His name has long been 
associated with the lumber trade of Joliet and is a synonym for reliable 
business dealing. 

Additional Comments:
PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907

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