William E. Lyon 1902-1918

LYON, LYONS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 4/14/2011 at 00:03:08

Killed By An Automobile
Young Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lyon Killed by Car in Cedar Rapids Last Thursday
William Lyons, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lyons of Cedar Rapids met death on the streets of that city Thursday, January 31. The boy was riding a bicycle and turned out of the way for an automobile. The bicycle skidded, throwing its rider under the wheels of the auto and crushing his head. He was immediately taken to St. Luke’s hospital and died there a few hours later. The body was brought to Estherville and placed at rest in Oak Hill Cemetery beside that of a brother buried there a number of years ago. The funeral services were held from the Brees undertaking parlors and were in charge of the Eastern Stars and Christian Scientists.

William Lyons, the father of the boy, lived in Estherville for a great many years. He was a conductor on the Rock Island out of Estherville until his removal to Cedar Rapids and before his employment by the railroad was one of the competent helpers in the Emmet County Republican office. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyons are members of the Estherville Chapter of the Order of Eastern Stars. Their many friends in this city sympathize with them in their great sorrow. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, February 6, 1918)

Former Estherville Boy Dies
Wm. Lyons of Cedar Rapids Was Killed in an Auto Accident Last Week
The remains of William Lyons, son of W. A. Lyons formerly of this city but now of Cedar Rapids, was brought here for burial on Monday last, the services were held from the Brees parlors. The following from the Cedar Rapids Republican gives a detailed account of the boy’s death:

William Lyons, age 16 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Lyon, 1331 Burch avenue, west, died in St. Luke’s hospital at 8:30 o’clock last night, two hours after he had been run down at Third avenue and Eleventh street, west, by an automobile driven by Ralph Knolk, chauffer for the Disbrow Sash and Door company. Death is said to have been caused by injuries to his head and side.

Lyon, according to the story told by Knolk, was riding on his bicycle without a light and either fell under the wheels of the car as he was passing it or was struck by the machine. He was thrown to the pavement and knocked unconscious. Knolk, with the assistance of others, picked him up and carried him into a nearby house from where the Wymer ambulance was called, and the injured lad taken to the hospital.

An operation in an effort to save the boy’s life proved futile and he died without regaining consciousness. Knolk, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Knolk, 1324 A avenue west, is not being held but an inquest into the accident and death will be held some time today, if Coroner King deems it necessary.

The body was removed to the Beaty undertaking parlors last night and will later be shipped to Estherville for funeral and interment, although arrangements for either have not been completed. William leaves besides his parents, four sisters, Ethel W., Esther E., Ellen E., Marie and Mabel, and one brother, Clifford. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, February 6, 1918)