William F. Lyons, a prominent citizen of Hawkins County, was born eleven miles east of Rogersville, May 22, 1818, a son of William and Matilda G. (Maxwell) Lyons. Both were of Irish descent. The father was born in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, March 11, 1776, and died in Hawkins County, at Lyon’s store, July 3, 1886, at the advanced age of ninety years. The mother was born in Hawkins County, January 19, 1787, and died at Lyon’s store August 21, 1867, aged eighty years. They were married in Hawkins County about 1806 or 1807, and spend the remainder of their days in Hawkins County. the father was engaged in the mercantile business in connection with farming, and made a success of life; he sold goods nearly sixty years and near Lyon’s store. He was a Democrat, and he and wife were worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is the fifth of nine children. He secured a good academical education in Hawkins County, began life as a farmer, and farming has been his occupation ever since. About 1840, he settled on a farm in the Eighth District, where he resided some ten years. In 1850, he purchased and settled where he now lives, having at the same time sold his other place. He has been successful in the farming interest, now owning upward of 800 acres of land in Hawkins County. Our subject is a stanch Democrat. He is not a member of any church, but is of the Presbyterian faith. He has been married twice; first on November 3, 1842, to Miss Julia A. Hale, born in Sullivan County, but raised in Hawkins County. She was born March 24, 1823. She died at Knoxville while under treatment of a physician. She was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. One son was the result of the first marriage, James C., born December 13, 1843 and died May 29, 1884. Our subject is a very stanch Democrat, and desires the world to know it. He is a great admirer of Jefferson Davis.

Transcribed by Betty Mize from Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1886.