DANIEL LYONS, M. D., an eminent physician and surgeon, of Ashland, Illinois, was born in La Salle, of the same State, June 16, 1848. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Morris) Lyons, both natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1832, soon after their marriage. His father was a railroad contractor, which business he followed during his life in this country. The first death which the family was called upon to mourn was that of the devoted wife and mother, who expired in Arkansas, in 1861, greatly lamented by her associates and friends. The father survived his faithful companion fifteen years, dying in Brierfield, Alabama, in 1876. He was a man of the highest integrity, extremely kind-hearted and benevolent, and was very popular among his acquaintances. This worthy couple had six children: Lawrence, Michael, Daniel, David, Mary and Katie. All but two of these are now deceased, the subject of this sketch and a brother David, who is engaged in mining at Crystal, Colorado.
Dr. Lyons received his elementary education in the public schools of La Salle county, where his boyhood and early manhood were spent. After attaining his majority, he was engaged for about seven years in civil engineering. During the Rebellion, he was for three years in the Quartermaster's Department, in St. Louis. In 1878, he commenced the study of Eclectic medicine, in the American Medical College, St. Louis, taking four courses, and continuing his studies until 1883. While pursuing his studies, he spent most of his time in the city hospitals of St. Louis, gaining practical experience in his chosen work. In 1883, on graduating in St. Louis, he came to Ashland, where he commenced the practice of his profession. He has steadily grown in favor until he now does a large and lucrative business, being universally regarded as thoroughly skilled in his profession, conscientious and careful.
He was married in St. Louis, in 1869, to Miss Johanna Connelly, an estimable lady, and a native of Canada. Her parents were James and Catharine Connelly, and she was one of seven children, three sons and four daughters. Dr. and Mrs. Lyons have two children: Deloraine J., now twenty-two years of age, is unmarried, and is a telegraph operator in Colorado; Gertrude, now thirteen years old, is at home and in school.
The Doctor is Democratic in his political affiliations, on which ticket he was elected to the position of Coroner of Cass county, serving in that capacity with acknowledged ability.
Socially, he is a member of the M. W. of A., and is prominently associated with the Masonic order, which latter society he joined in St. Louis.
These are a few of the most important facts of a busy and useful life, which has been spent in the amelioration of human suffering, and in promoting the happiness and welfare of his fellow beings.