From A Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. I, p. 1280
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902

J. A. Lyons

On the roster of public officials in Raymond township, Rice county, appears the name of J. A. Lyons, an honored and respected resident of his locality.  He has labored effectively and earnestly for the interests of his fellow citizens, and along the line of intellectual, moral and material improvement his work has been of marked benefit.  For twenty-two years he has resided in this portion of Rice county, years actively devoted to its upbuilding and improvement.

Mr. Lyons is a native of the far-off state of Connecticut, his birth occurring in New Haven, in 1875.  His father, Michael Lyons, died when the son was a small boy.  In 1879 our subject came with his mother to Rice county, where she is still living and is now Mrs. Berry.  He was reared to farm life here and was early taught lessons of industry, honesty and economy.  His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools, but since putting aside his text-books he has added largely to his knowledge through practical experience, reading and observation, and is now a well informed man.  For the past several years he had been prominently and successfully engaged in the grain business at Raymond, and in this he has met with a well merited degree of prosperity.

In addition to his extensive business operations Mr. Lyons has also found time to devote to the political interests of his locality, being an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party.  On that ticket he was also elected to the office of Justice of the peace, in which he served for two years, proving a capable official.  He has also been called to the office of constable, and on the 6^th of November, 1900, he was made township trustee, in which he is the present incumbent.  In his social relations Mr. Lyons is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America.  He is one of the solid, successful and progressive citizens of his community.  His worth is widely acknowledged and the people recognize that they owe much to him for his efforts in behalf of this section of the state.