Matthew Lyons was a mere infant when brought by his parents to this state and here he grew to manhood. He attended the district schools and completed his education at the Empire Business College of Walla Walla, from which he was graduated. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the farm work and on attaining his majority took charge of a portion of the homestead, of which he now owns four hundred and eighty acres. He also rents a large tract of land and is today operating two thousand acres devoted to wheat. Although his attention is principally given to the raising of grain, he raises stock to some extent and has steadily prospered in his business undertakings.
In 1903 Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Chandler, a native of Detroit, Michigan, and a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Smith) Chandler. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyons have been born five children, as follows, Margaret G., Eleanor M., Mary B., Matthew J. and Gerard, of whom the last named is deceased. In 1916 Mr. Lyons erected a commodious modern residence on South Third street, Walla Walla, and here the family now reside.
He has never been an office seeker but has nevertheless manifested a commendable interest in public affairs and has staunchly supported the candidates and measures of the democratic party. He holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Maccabees and is deservedly popular in those organizations. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. He is enthusiastic concerning Walla Walla county and its opportunities and finds pleasure in cooperating in movements calculated to advance its interests.
JAMES McGREEVY.
James McGreevy, a prosperous retired farmer residing on section 8, township 13 north, range 43 east, Garfield county, was born in Ireland, March 22, 1867, a son of Hugh and Rose (Flynn) McGreevy, both of whom passed their entire lives in Ireland. They had two children, of whom the daughter, Jennie, is still a resident of the Emerald isle.
The son, James McGreevy came to the United States when only eleven years of age and joined an uncle living in Pittsburgh. After remaining there for five years he went to Iowa, where he lived for one year. It was in 1889 that he settled in Columbia county, Washington, and for one year he engaged in the stock business, after which he purchased his present farm in Garfield county. It comprises four hundred and eighty acres, all of which is under cultivation, and the improvements thereon are excellent and add much to its value. He operated the place until 1914, when he retired, but he still retains his residence thereon.
Mr. McGreevy was married in 1898, in Washington, to Miss Rose Glennon, who was born in Clayton county, Iowa. He casts his ballot in support of the democratic party and has served acceptably as a member of the local school board. He holds membership in the Woodmen of the World and in the Farmers' Union and is deservedly popular in those organizations. He was thrown upon his own resources at an early age and his educational opportunities were limited, but his native soundness of judgment, combined with industry and the determination to succeed, has enabled him to distance many who started with greater advantages.
CHARLES E. BERG.