Lyon, Charles D.

LYON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 16:00:13

CHARLES DAVID LYON
born July 1, 1857, PA

C. D. Lyon, who has during the past few years figured prominently in the prosperous town of Milo, Iowa, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Lyon, was born in Athens, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1857, and was reared and educated in the East. While in his teens he gave his attention to telegraphy, and in 1875 entered the service of the Lehigh Valley Railroad as telegrapher. August 18, 1880 he married Miss Emma L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fee, of Wyalusing, and in October of the year, following his marriage, came west to Iowa to accept a position as telegrapher for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. He was station agent for this company at Grant City, Missouri, about five years, and came from there to Milo, Iowa, February 17 1887.
Soon after he had established his home in Milo he was elected Mayor of the town, and on the ticket with Benjamin Harrison in 1888, was elected Justice of the Peace. In December of that year he was appointed Postmaster, and at the same time purchased the Milo Motor, the town paper. For four years and nine months he rendered efficient service as station agent, postmaster, and editor. In June 1895, through the influence of friends, he was induced to announce himself as a candidate for legislative honors, and made a splendid race; but, by one of the chances of politics and the unremitting personal jealousies of a few enemies, he was defeated in the convention.
During his residence in Milo, Mr. Lyon has in many ways been closely identified with its best interests. Through his paper, the Motor, and his personal efforts he has probably done as much for the upbuilding of the town as any other citizen in it. Especially in educational lines has his influence here been felt. The fine public school building, the pride of the town, costing $10,000, stands as a monument to his untiring efforts in this direction. Mr Lyon's family consists of his wife and six bright, interesting children - Andrew, Roscoe, Sallie, Blanche, Paul, and John.
Source: A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1896, vol.1, p.421