EX-MAYOR HUGH LYONS ANSWERS DEATH�S CALL

PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS MAN MADE GALLANT FIGHT BUT COULD NOT OVERCOME RAVAGES OF DISEASE

WAS ACTIVE IN PROMOTING LANSING�S WELFARE

Organized the Hugh Lyons Company and Did Much to Advertise Lansing � Served Gallantly in the Civil War Funeral Will be Held Monday

Hugh Lyons, one of Lansing�s grand old men, and a prominent manufacturer, died last evening at his home, 716 Capital avenue south. For several years he had failed rapidly in health, and although he had attended faithfully to his business duties until a few months ago, it was apparent that the abscess from which he suffered was gradually sapping his strength. Acting upon the advice of his friends, he decided to forsake his business for a while and take a rest. About a month ago, as he was preparing to leave for the south, where he intended to remain during the winter months, he was taken seriously ill and expert physicians performed an operation in the hope of affording him temporary relief.

Although everything possible was done to alleviate his suffering, medical science was of no avail and Wednesday night his friends abandoned all hope, the attending physician practically conceding that his long struggle for life was nearing an end. Yesterday morning, although conscious, he was much weaker, and knowing that the end was near, he bade his relatives a last farewell and gradually fell into a semi-conscious state from which he did not awaken. He died about 7:30 o�clock.

The spirit which dominated the entire life of Mr. Lyons is best shown by his last words, which were, "I don�t know why I have go to be taken. I want to live, but I presume it is all for the best."

Born in Canada

Hugh Lyons was born in Sarnia, Ont., March 17, 1847. When he was ten years of age he moved to western Illinois, where he lived for about four years, returning to Canada. Two years before the outbreak of the civil war he went to New York, and despite the fact that he was of Canadian birth, he enlisted with a New York company when the call came for volunteers, serving with Company E, Ninetieth New York Infantry, until he was mustered out in 1865.

At the close of the civil war Mr. Lyons settled at Howell, Mich., working at his trade as a carpenter until 1870, when he came to Lansing to take a position as superintendent of the Mineral Wells Bath House & Bottle works. Working with an energy and determination that characterized all of his undertakings, he was soon made head salesman and commercial traveler.

While travelling for the old Mineral Springs company he invented and secured a patent on a hat conformer. The buildings of the Potter Manufacturing company were purchased and a stock company organized to place the product on the market. With his tireless energy Mr. Lyons toiled night and day to make the new product a success, and at same time branched into other lines and began the manufacture of store fixtures and show cases on a small scale.

Organized Big Company

Finally this end of the business became the feature of the concern and the name of Hugh Lyons & Company became known all over the world. Branch offices were established in Chicago and New York, and new buildings were erected until now the company employs nearly 300 men and the concern is considered one of Lansing�s most important industries. Aside from being president of the Hugh Lyons company, he was formerly interested in several other Lansing concerns, but a few years age he disposed of his other holdings and devoted his time exclusively to the concern which was organized by him.

In 1904 he was induced to become the Republican candidate for mayor of the city and he was elected by a large majority. He was re-elected two years later. During the years that he was in office, he performed his duties conscientiously and well and stood for all that would assist in the upbuilding of the city.

Mr. Lyons always evinced a great interest in civic improvements and it was his idea to make Lansing the ideal city of the state. He gave his money and devoted his time to every good enterprise.

In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Laura P. Brooks of this city, who, with a son, Arthur, survive him. He also leaves several brothers and sisters. The decreased was a member of the Charles T. Foster post, G.A.R.

Funeral services will be held at the late residence Monday afternoon at 2 o�clock. Rev. Chester Wood, rector of the Episcopal church at Battle Creek officiating. From 2 until 5 o�clock Sunday afternoon the remains will lie in state at the residence. Interment will be in Mt. Hope cemetery.