BIOGRAPHY: James Lyon, Auburn, Cayuga co., New York

transcribed and submitted by: Ann Anderson (ann.g.anderson at gmail.com)

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
THIS VOLUME CONTAINS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE LEADING CITIZENS OF CAYUGA
COUNTY NEW YORK
BOSTON
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY
1894

JAMES LYON, of the firm of Lyon & Pierce, attorneys-at-law, of Auburn, N.Y.,
is a native of the Emerald Isle, whose sons have borne a conspicuous part in
the industrial development of this country, and have distinguished
themselves in trade, in literature, and the professions. Mr. Lyon was born
in the south of Ireland in 1838, son of James and Mary (Murphy) Lyon, and
received the elements of a common-school education in his native place. His
father was a farmer, and the family had lived in the same locality for
several generations.

 In early life the younger James left his native land for England, where he
remained until he reached the age of eighteen. Being convinced of the
possibilities of a more rapid advancement in America, he proceeded to this
country, arriving during the height of the Fremont campaign in 1856. He
settled in Onondaga County, New York, where, in 1860, he commenced the study
of law. In 1863 he entered the law offices of the firm of Porter, Allen &
Beardsley, with whom he continued until he was admitted to the bar in
December of that year. In 1864 and to the close of the Civil War he was a
civilian clerk in the military department of Newbern, N.C. At the end of the
war he returned to Auburn, where he has resided ever since. In 1866 and 1867
he was elected City Clerk, and was appointed City Attorney during the latter
year, which office he held for about twelve years. Upon relinquishing this
appointment he devoted himself to his private practice, and has continued in
the active duties of the same ever since.

 Mr. Lyon's residence is at No. 148 North Street, where he has lived for
over twenty years. He and his wife, Mary J. Dewey, formerly of Otisco,
Onondaga County, are the parents of five children, all of whom are living,
namely: Ada, wife of Albert Raeish, of Calais, Me., Henry G., James, Charles
F., and Frederick D. Mr. Lyon has held several responsible and important
positions. He was for some years the attorney for the Southern Central
Railroad Company, and at the present time is the attorney and one of the
Trustees of the Cayuga County Savings Bank. He has not for many years taken
a conspicuous part in politics, but early allied himself to the Republican
party, of which he has been an active though quiet supporter. Mr. Lyon is
not a member of any church, but is an attendant of the First Presbyterian
Church of this city, for whose pastor he entertains the highest regard
because of his earnest but unostentatious work in the interest of religion
and humanity.