Bio of William Henry LYONS (b.1840 d.1906), 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 60 + 961 William Henry Lyons, for many years a conspicuous figure in the life and progress of Lynden township, was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 2, 1840, son of Benjamin T and Lydia (Wince) Lyons. He received a good education in Ohio, and was taken by his parents to Champaign county, IL, in 1854. He came to Stearns County with his parents in 1856, underwent with them the rigors of pioneer life, and under the tuition of his father became a proficient farmer. In October, 1862, at the age of twenty-two years, he enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and was sent to the Northwestern frontier against the Indians. In November, 1863, he was honorably discharged for disability. Then he returned to Lynden, and worked on the home farm until 1882. In the meantime he had taken a homestead in section 6, Lynden township. In 1882 he married and he and his good wife moved onto this farm and started life together. In 1885 the home and other buildings were destroyed by fire, but undaunted by this disaster, they erected a new home, and barns, and continued their work. Prosperity crowned their efforts and they were numbered among the most honored and respected members of the community. The farm was increased to 193 acres, and the thrift, energy and good taste of the owners was everywhere apparent. In the Old Settlers' Association they took deep pleasure, and were very active at all of its meetings. After a life filled with good deeds, he died April 1, 1906, as a result of being injured while working with a circular saw. His remains are laid at rest in the Acacia Cemetery, in Lynden township. A man of quiet habits of upright character, and for more than thirty years a consisted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was held in high esteem by his friends and neighbors. William Henry Lyons was married October 26, 1882 to Susanna M. Mitchell, born in County Leitrem, Ireland June 28 , 1853, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Deacon) Mitchell. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born six children: Lydia E., Samuel W., John A., Henry b., Susanna Jane and George R. Lydia E. is a graduate of the St. Cloud High School, and is a proficient teacher. Samuel W. and John A. conduct the home farm. Henry B. graduated from the Clearwater High School, took a special course in engineering at the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn., and is now a successful teacher. Susan Jane is a graduate of the Clearwater High School and is likewise a competent teacher. George R. is a student in the Clearwater High School.