ELIJAH LYONS, a prosperous agriculturist of Pike Township, and an enterprising and public spirited citizen, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, September, 24, 1824, a son of Thomas and Eve (Apple) Lyons. His father was born in Ohio, April 9, 1797, of Irish descent, and his mother was of German parents, born January 11,1797. In the year 1837 they removed from Columbiana County to Perry County, Ohio, where the father died August 13, 1838. The mother survived until September 23, 1879, dying in Jay County. Two of their sons, Thomas and Samuel, were soldiers in the war for the Union, the latter holding the rank of Captain. Elijah Lyons, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, being early in life insured to hard work. At the age of fourteen years he was left fatherless. He remained at the homestead with his mother until his marriage, January 8, 1846, to Miss Mary Bailey, a native of Fulton County, Pennsylvania, born January 12, 1820, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Cline) Bailey. Eight children were born to this union -Thomas, William (deceased), John B., Sarah A., Stephen S., Rebecca Jane, Mary L. Susannah, the last five being natives of Jay County. Thomas and John B. are prosperous and respected citizens of Pike Township, each owning a fine farm, with large and substantial residences, near the parental home. The former married Adeline Frickel, and they have four children -Jesse, Pearl, Homer and Gay. John married Miss Rosa Snyder, and they also have four children -Cora, Alonzo, Bertha and Desty. Sarah A. Lyons married Clarence Jellison, an active business man of Wabasha, Minnesota, and they are the parents of five children -Minnie, May, Jessie, Maud and Hazel. Stephen S. received a liberal education at Ridgeville College, and Purdue University, La Fayette, graduating from the latter in 1882. He has resided at Wabasha, Minnesota, since June, 1884, and was there married May 26, 1886, to Miss Hattie E. Wilcox. He is associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. Jellison, in the lumber and insurance business at that place. Rebecca Jane is the wife of Enoch Ware, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Pike Township, where he still resides. They have four children -Blanche, Grace, and two sons yet unnamed. Susannah is the wife of John T. Dickes, of Portland. Mary L. is at home with her father. Mr. Lyons came with his wife and two eldest children to Jay County in September, 1850, when he settled on section 26, Pike Township, and commenced clearing away the forest and improving the fine property he yet owns. His first land purchase in the county was a tract of 164 acres, selected during a former visit to the county. He was then possessed of but small means, but had enough to pay the cash for his land, and provide for his family during the coming winter. Possessed of a good team and household goods he escaped, to great extent, the privations and hardships of many of Jay County's early settlers. His first home was a rude log cabin, which was occupied by his family until their present fine, commodious brick residence was built in 1867. By hard work and good management Mr. Lyons has well earned his fine property, and is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. After assisting his two oldest sons to start in life, he still has a competence for his decliningy ears, and has in his farm 170 acres of choice land. Mr. Lyons was bereaved by the death of his wife, who passed peacefully away October 4, 1885. In politics Mr. Lyons has always voted the Democratic ticket. He is a member of Pittsburgh Lodge, No. 387, F. & A. M. He has served his township as trustee and his county as commissioner, and in these positions, as well as in minor trusts, he has always maintained his standing as an honorable, upright man, and has become widely known throughout Jay County, and universally respected.