Bio of James M. LYONS (b.1846), Wright Co., MN ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. If you have found this file through a source other than the MNArchives Table Of Contents you can find other Minnesota related Archives at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm Please note the county and type of file at the top of this page to find the submitter information or other files for this county. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Rebecca B Frank ========================================================================= Bios from: Mitchell, William Bell, History of Stearns County, Minnesota. Volume II. Chicago: H.C. Cooper, Jr. and Co. 1915. Page 961 + 962 James M. Lyons, a most estimable citizen of Clearwater village, has had his share in the progress and development of the community, and is highly regarded by all with whom he come in contact. He was born in Licking County, OH, August 19, 1846, son of Benjamin T. and Lydia (Wince) Lyons the pioneers. With them he went to Champaign County, IL, in 1854, and with them came to Lynden township, this county, in 1856. He was reared amid pioneer conditions, and learned agricultural pursuits from his father. On February 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 1, 1865, being discharged at Charlotte, NC, and mustered out at Ft. Snelling. For several years thereafter he devoted his time to various pursuits, including logging and rafting. Later he took a homestead in Fair Haven township, and bought 120 acres in section 5, Lynden township. He there erected a shack and engaged in farming about 10 years. He then purchased 160 acres in section 9, Lynden township. This farm he improved and developed, adding forty more acres, and bringing the place to a high degree of cultivation. In 1900 he rented the farm , and purchased a residence in the village of Clearwater. For several years he was the village marshal. On August 24, 1913, he purchased his present establishment. He sells ice cream, confectionery, canned goods, cigars and tobacco, and conducts a restaurant and lunch room. He has built up a good business and has proven himself the right man for the place. Mr. Lyons has been interested in many movements and organizations, and is senior vice commander of the A. C. Collins Post, NO. 112 G.A.R., of Clearwater. Mr. Lyons was married September 19 1878, to Mary F. Ridley, who was born in Silver Creek, Wright County, September 17, 1862. Mrs. Lyons has proven a most capable helpmeet throughout their married life. He is an energetic manager, a keen business woman, and a good wife and understanding mother. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have tow children: Frank D. and Elsie May. Frank D. lives in Minot, ND. He married Jennie Simley and they have six children: Bessie, James, Harry, Mildred, Howard and ______ Elsie May lives on the old homestead. She married Charles Lumley and they have five children: Lucille, Margaret, Charles, George and Vernon. Mrs. James M. Lyons is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. Ridley, natives of Maine. They came to Minnesota in the early days, lived for a while in Minneapolis, and then came to Silver Creek township, Wright county where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Ridley died in 1865, and his wife in 1868. Aside from Mrs. Lyons there was in the family one son, Victor E. Ridley, of Sand Point, Idaho.