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Permanent LinkRepresentative James A. Lyons View All Years
JAMES A. LYONS was born in Morgan county, Ohio, April 12, 1838; he died in Grand Junction, Colorado, May 12, 1906. In 1855 Mr. Lyons’ parents removed to Allamakee county, Iowa. On the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in the 1st Iowa Cavalry, in which regiment he remained until he was discharged by reason of disability caused by a wound in his arm and shoulder. In August, 1862, he was made 2d Lieutenant in the 27th Iowa Infantry, and served until he was again compelled to resign on account of his wound. In 1868 he settled in Guthrie county. After pursuing farming for two years, he removed to Guthrie Center and entered into mercantile business. As a merchant he was successful and in the course of his residence in the county seat of Guthrie county built up a large and profitable business. In 1883 Mr. Lyons was elected a member of the 20th General Assembly, and was reelected to the 21st. He became well known for his stand upon various measures prominent in those sessions with the result that upon the close of the session of the legislature in 1886 he was nominated by the republican state convention for the office of Auditor of State, which office he filled for three successive terms. In 1893 he was a prominent candidate for Governor before the Sioux City convention, but was defeated by Frank D. Jackson. Mr. Lyons continued in the mercantile business in Guthrie Center until 1900, when by reason of enfeebled health of both himself and his son, he removed to Colorado.