Elisha Lyon was born September 29, 1778 in Milton Massachsaetts. At the age of 16 Elisha went to Roxbury and learned the hatter's trade. When aged 21 he established his business in Needham, being engaged in the manufacture of hats for nearly forty years.
He lived on Greendale Avenue, later the home of his son Hiram. Lyon's Bridge between Needham and Dedham was named for him. In 1834 his factory burned. He did not rebuild, but retired to his farm to enjoy the rest he had so well earned. He had taste and ability for public duties and his correct judgement and well known intergrity caused him to be selected to serve in public trusts for 30 years.
In 1812 he commanded a company of minute men. Stalwart in frame, straightforward in conduct, pure in mind, he had that stern virtue which has proven New England's best inheritance from the mother country.
He was a deacon in the Universalist Church for twenty-three years.
He rose by perseverence, well digested plans and intelligent application of energy to the end in view, and died at the ripe age of 87 years on May 14, 1862
Elisha was married twice, the first time to Sally Brown by whom he had three children, Sally, Louisa and Lemuel. Sally died at the age of 22. Elisha remarried, to Mary Brown (also known as Polly.) One suspects they may have been sisters, but I have no evidence.
Mary (Polly) Brown (shown here) was born July 17, 1787. She married Elisha Lyon on October 31, 1808 in Needham, MA. They had four children, Joshua B., Mary Ann, Elisha Hiram, and Hannah.
Joshua B. Lyon was born Octob 25, 1810. He married a Miss Lucy Broad on December 1, 1831. They had one child, Lucy Lyon.
Mary Ann Lyon was born November 7, 1814. She married Calvin Perry of Natick MA.
They had four children, two of whom survived childhood.
She died March 24, 1891 in Natick.
Elisha Hiram Lyon as born February 11, 1818. He never married, but handled most of the family's business. Uncle Hiram died in 1900.
Hanna Lyon was born February 19, 1820.
She never married. Hannah died June 2, 1888.
At the age of 13, Hannah stiched a sampler giving the family's records. You may view it by clicking the button below.
