SEVENTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY
The Daily Telegram., March 03, 1903
Some friends of the family were delightfully entertained Saturday evening at the seventy-fifth birthday anniversary dinner of Mr. James Lyon at his home on Main Street. Mr. Lyon is in splendid health and has retained his physique and intellect. May he enjoy happy returns of the occasion.
DEATH OF J. M. LYON
OCCURS AT THE HOME OF HIS SON, ELLIS LYON, AT HEPZIBAH, THURSDAY EVENING AT FIVE O’CLOCK.
ANOTHER PROMINENT AND LOYAL WEST VIRGINIAN IS DEAD AFTER AN EXTENDED ILLNESS.
Members of the Family were at his Bedside when the Final Summons came.
A Long Useful and Well-spent Life Comes to an End.
The Clarksburg Telegram., June 26, 1903, pg. 4
At the home of his son, Ellis Lyon, at Hepzibah, this county, James M. Lyon, one of the most prominent residents of Harrison County, died at five o’clock p. m., Thursday, June 18, after a lengthy illness.
His death was due to a general decline of his physical condition, brought about by a stroke of paralysis which he suffered about a year ago.
Mr. Lyon went to visit his son a few weeks ago. While there he was taken down ill, and gradually grew worse. A few days ago his condition became alarming, and the members of his family were summoned to his bedside.
All that loving hands could do and all that the skill of medical science could perform failed to improve his rapidly failing condition, and Thursday evening at the time above stated, he silently passed into that eternal sleep which knows no mortal awakening, surrounded by the loved ones of his family.
James M. Lyon was a native of Harrison County, a son of William E. and Sarah (Denham) Lyon. He was born February 28, 1828. His father was born in Prince William County, Virginia, August 2, 1806, and his mother’s birth was in Harrison County, May 18, 1807. His father died on the last day of the year 1876, and his mother a few years latter.
In Harrison County, on April 3, 1855, James M. Lyon was married to Nancy J. Thompson, who was born in this county, April 8, 1836, a daughter of Hugh and Rebecca (Kelso) Thompson. Her father was born in Preston County, Virginia, (now West Virginia.) She is a very estimable woman, with a large number of friends and acquaintances.
To this union there were born the following children: Bessie, born August 4, 1858; Ellis, May 13, 1861; Hugh, February 27, 1864; Charles, deceased, April 4, 1867; Samuel, January 22, 1870; Mabel, March 22, 1873; Guy, September 29, 1875; Mary, deceased, May 8, 1880.
Miss Mabel Lyon was married to Mr. Ed. Stealey, deceased, and lives in this city. Miss Bessie and Goldie Lyon reside with their parents in this city. Ellis Lyon is engaged in farming at Hepzibah, and his brother Hugh is engaged in the same vocation near that place. Samuel and Guy Lyon live at their parents home in this city.
Four brothers and one sister survive, viz: Mrs. Newton Pew, of Buckhannon; Lee Lyon, of Coal district; Andrew Lyon, of this city; William H. Lyon, living near Hepzibah church and C. R. Lyon, of Salem.
Mr. Lyon was for many years engaged in the pursuit of farming on a large estate near Hepzibah. He was industrious, energetic, hard working and as the years passed by, accumulated a handsome estate.
The remains were brought to this city Friday morning, and taken to the family residence at the corner of Chestnut and Main Street.
The funeral will take place Saturday afternoon at two o’clock from the late residence.
The internment will be made in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery.
J. M. LYONS WILL FILED
In the County Clerk’s Office for Probate.
Widow and Children Provided For.
The Clarksburg Telegram., July 17, 1903, page 10
The will of the late James M. Lyon has been filed for probate. His daughter, Bessie Lyon, is named as executrix. The widow, Nancy J. Lyon, is bequeathed all the household goods and kitchen furniture and one-third of the personal property in her own right and one-third of the real estate her natural life time.
The residue of the personal estate is bequeathed equally among his children, Bessie Lyon, Ellis Lyon, Samuel Lyon, Mabel Lyon Stealey, Hugh Lyon, Guy Lyon and Goldie Lyon. No provision is made for the disposal or division of the residue of the real estate, except a clause which reads “Should I survive my wife, Nancy J. Lyon, then I will that may estate, real and personal, be equally divided among the aforesaid children.”
The will is in his own handwriting and dated January 31, 1900. The executrix is not required to give bond. There were no witnesses.
