from A History of Kentucky – Ohio County

William Lyons was born March 3, 1847, in Hancock County, Kentucky, and is a son of Elias and Catherine (Newton) Lyons.  The father was also born in Hancock County.  Elias Lyons moved several times, and was in Missouri at the breaking out of the war, and served three years in the Confederate service; was taken prisoner at Monnego Springs, Missouri, and confined in McDowels’ prisons; while in the latter he died in 1863.  William Lyon accompanied his father in in all his moves, prior to and after his location in Missouri, but returned to Kentucky with his two uncles, who had gone after him.  In 1867 he returned to Kansas and remained until 1870.  November 9, 1871, he married Eda Willis, a sister of F. G. Willis.  They are the parents of five children:  Jimmie, Mamie, Ollie, Alma and an infant.  After marriage Mr. Lyons engaged in farming, milling and mercantile business.  He is the owner of over 400 acres of land in good order, and principally made and improved by himself.  He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church.  His wife is a Presbyterian.