James Lyon

As printed in 1902

JAMES C. LYON.

James Lyon inaugurated a new business enterprise in Springfield and for a number of years he figured prominently in commercial circles in this city. He was born on Walnut Hill near Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 5th of October, 1826, his parents being James and Myra (Carder) Lyon. The father was a native of New Jersey and was a son of James Lyon, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and his discharge papers show that he was a captain of artificers. He served for four years, giving valuable aid to his country which was engaged in seeking liberty, and was one of a party that landed at the mouth of the Little Miami river in 1788, thus carrying civilization into the wilds of Ohio. He afterward purchased a section of land, a part of which is now included within the corporate limits of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the postoffice is on a part of that land now. James Lyon, the grandfather of our subject, died at the advanced age of eighty-six years, a respected and honored pioneer who left the impress of his strong nature for good upon the development of this portion of the state. The land which he purchased was handed down to his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and Mr. Lyon of this review owned considerable of it at the time of his death, it being situated on beautiful Walnut Hill. The original cost of the tract was eleven cents per acre, but it rose in value and they sold fifty acres for seventy-two thousand dollars. As the state has grown in population and prominence it is now classed with the most desirable portions of city property in Ohio.

James Lyon, the father of our subject, was the second in order of birth in a family of four sons. He spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and became a Baptist minister, being widely and favorably known throughout southwestern Ohio. He was the first missionary appointed by the

Baptist state convention and he labored in behalf of Christianity throughout a large district in the state, his influence being widely felt. He is still remembered by many who were children in his day but have now grown to manhood or womanhood.

James C. Lyon, whose name introduces this review, was born and reared upon the family homestead and early became familiar with the work of the farm, assisting in the duties of field and meadow. He lived there until 1870; at which time he took up his above near the city of Springfield, in Clark county, and was here engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1872. In that year he abandoned the work of the farm and removed to the city in order to give his children better educational advantages. After he became a resident of Springfield he began to deal in hay, which he purchased and sold. He also engaged in baling this commodity and was the first man to establish a hay business in this place. His efforts proving remunerative, he found a market for the product and his sales constantly grew in volume and importance until the business was a very extensive and paying one.

In 1853 Mr. Lyon was united in marriage to Amanda Dunseth, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and their marriage was blessed with four children: Flora is the wife of E. L. Barrett, who is represented on another page of this work; Mamie E. is at home with her mother; Carrie is the wife of Theodore Hohl, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and Harvey C., whose sketch appears below, complete the family. The parents were members of the Baptist church, taking a very active part in its work and contributing liberally to its support, and for many years Mr. Lyon served as deacon. He died June 3, 1884, and was laid to rest in

Ferncliff cemetery. He was a well known business man, having a wide acquaintance in trade circles throughout this portion ot the state. He sustained an unassailable reputation because he was straightforward and reliable in all his dealings. His friends, too, enjoyed his pleasant companionship, appreciating his kindly nature, his courteous department and his genial disposition. It was thus that his death was deeply mourned and when he was called to the home beyond Springfield lost one of her best and most highly honored citizens. His widow still survives him and resides at No. 479 South Limestone street, in Springfield.

EAR ICY 6. al ON.

Harvey C. Lyon, who is now acting as salesman for The Steele, Hopkins & Meredith Company, wholesale grocers of Springfield, was born February 4, 1864, in the same house on Walnut Hill, near Cincinnati, in which his father, James C. Lyon, was born. He was brought by his parents to Clark county and pursued his education in the old Kenton school on North Limestone street and the public schools of Springfield. Later he spent two years as a student in Wittenberg College and afterward entered Nelson’s Business College, in which he completed a course that well prepared him for the practical and responsible duties of life,

In 1884 he entered upon his business career in the employ of Brown € McCord, the pioneer hardware firm of Springfield. He remained with them as a clerk for two years and afterward fer a short time engaged in keeping books for the Gazette Printing Company. He next entered into partnership with T. E. Harwood in the conduct of a grocery store under the firm name of T. E. Harwood & Company. They prospered in the enterprise and after the connection was maintained for a year Mr. Lyon purchased his partner’s interest in the business, which he carried on alone until 1884. In that year he sold his store and bought the store of Cyrus Ward on Center and Main streets, conducting the same until 1892, during which time he enjoyed a large patronage. In that year, however, he again disposed of his store and accepted a position as salesman with The Steele, Hopkins & Meredith Company, wholesale grocers, in whose employ he has since remained, covering a period of ten years, which fact indicates that he is most efficient, capable and trustworthy.

Harvey C. Lyon was married on the 6th of October, 1887, to Miss Sallie P. Clark, a native of Springfield and a daughter of Charles M. Clark, whose sketch appears on another page of this work. This union has been blessed with three children: Jessie C., Nellie A. and Mary C. The family home is on South Limestone street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of our subject and his estimable wife. He is a member of the National Union and gives his political support to the Republican party, believing firmly in its principles. He is a wide-awake, enterprising and progressive business man, well known and highly esteemed in the trade circles of this city, where he takes an active part in promoting commercial prosperity and improving the business interests of the city.

aa BIOGRABRICAL “RECORD,

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.