Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Wisconsin, J. H. Beers & Co., 1901, Chicago, IL. Page 608 ~ Iowa County WILLIAM LANYON represents a family which has been prominent in Mineral Point, Iowa county, for over sixty years. He was born in Henver, Parish of St. Allen, England, in 1833, son of William, Sr. and Mary Ann (BENNETT) LANYON. His grandparents, John and Peggy LANYON, were prominent members of St. Allen's Church, where a beautiful window has been placed to their memory. Other members of the LANYON family were well known in England, five generations having resided in the one parish. Henry LANYON, brother of John, won no little renown as an officer in the British Navy under Lord Nelson, by whom his skill and gallantry were frequently recognized. Another member of the family, Henry Searle LANYON, of the Cornish Yeomanry Cavalry, was distinguished for athletic feats. William LANYON came to Wisconsin with his parents about 1837, and made his home in Mineral Point, where the father, William, Sr., followed blacksmithing many years, and died Feb. 7, 1898 aged eighty-six years. He was a thorough business man, and taught his son habits of industry and economy, and early instructed him in the blacksmith's trade, which he successfully carried on for a number of years, after which he opened a tin shop, later dealing in merchandise and grain. Since 1887 Mr. LANYON has been interested in a large zinc works at Pittsburgh and Iowa, Kansas, where he spends much time, although he retains his residence at Mineral Point. On Aug. 2, 1855, Mr. LANYON was united in marriage with Miss Maria THOMAS, daughter of Samuel THOMAS, Esq., and born in Mineral Point, Oct. 20, 1836. Five children have brightened their home - William, of Pittsburgh, Kans.; Ella, now Mrs. VAUGHAN, of Kansas City, Mo.; Colonel, of Iola, Kans.; Myrtle, now Mrs. MESEROLE, of Mineral Point; and Daisy, Mrs. POSEY, of Chicago. The family are active in the work of the Methodist Church, and Mr. LANYON is affiliated with the Masonic Order and the Eastern Star. The success Mr. LANYON has attained has been largely the result of his own sagacity and intelligence, and he has conducted his business affairs both wisely and honorably. Submitted by: Carol (carolannh@ticon.net)