Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Lyons, William Joseph 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 8:30 pm

Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record

WILLIAM JOSEPH LYONS, who is one of the leading lumber merchants of Joliet, 
has spent his life in this city, and owns a fine home at No. 616 Western 
avenue.  His father, John Lyons, a native of Ireland, learned the carpenter's 
trade in youth, and on crossing the ocean to America settled in Joliet in 
1849.  For a long time he engaged in the building business here, having a 
number of important and profitable contracts.  In 1875 he opened a lumber 
business on South BlufT street, adjoining the Porter brewery.  Six years later 
he moved to the corner of Desplaines and Clinton streets, and continued 
actively engaged in business here until 1897, when he transferred the business 
to his son, William Joseph, and removed to Colorado Springs, his present 
residence.  For many years he was a member of the board of supervisors of Will 
County and a leader in the local Democracy. Many of the buildings which he 
erected are still standing, and their excellent condition testifies to his 
skill and reliability as a contractor.  He married Susan Feeney, who was born 
in Channahon, this county, and died in Joliet in 1885, at thirty-eight years 
of age.  She was a daughter of Barney Feeney, a native of Ireland, and one of 
the pioneer farmers of Channahon Township.

Three daughters and four sons comprised the family of John and Susan Lyons.  
Of these all are living but one daughter.  William Joseph, who was next to the 
eldest of the family, was born at the family home in Joliet, January 1, 1866.  
After having studied in the public schools for some years, in 1879 he left 
school in order to learn the lumber business under his father.  He was soon 
made bookkeeper, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, of which, 
in 1890, he took charge. In 1897 he purchased the business, and now has entire 
charge of the large yards on Clinton and Desplaines streets, where he carries 
a full stock of lumber and building material.  He buys direct from mills in 
Wisconsin and Michigan, and to some extent also from Southern mills.  His 
entire time is devoted to the lumber business, and he is thoroughly acquainted 
with all of its details.

In 1892-93 Mr. Lyons held the office of secretary of the city Democratic 
committee.  He is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and the 
Western Catholic Union.  Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, Knights of Honor, Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of 
Columbus, and is a member of the board of directors of the last-named order.  
His marriage, in Harvard, Ill., united him with Miss Hannah L. Sweeney, who 
was born in that city.  They have three children, Horace R., Gladys Marie and 
William Joseph, Jr.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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