Biographical Sketch of

James Lyman

Transcribed by Char Eckman for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 625 - 626


James Lyman, who has made his home in Wautoma since 1855, is one of the most popular and prominent citizens 
of that village, where he is now engaged in cabinet-making and also deals in furniture.  He was born in the 
town of Rose, Wayne County, N. Y., on the 11th of January, 1827, and is a son of Thomas J. and Rebecca (Swift) 
Lyman, both of whom were natives of Connecticut.  Their family numbered five children, our subject being the 
only son.  Julia is the wife of Albert Barrett, a resident farmer of the town of Wautoma; Betsy, widow of W. 
H. Stewart, is living in Pittsfield, Wis.; Sarah is the deceased wife of Peter Sleight; and Nancy wedded 
Charles Boyce, but both are now deceased.

Thomas J. Lyman, accompanied by his family, emigrated to Waushara County, Wis., in 1855, settling in the little 
village of Wautoma, which had been established but a few years.  He was a carpenter and joiner by trade and 
followed that occupation in Wautoma until his death, which occurred in 1867.  His wife survived him until 1874, 
when she too passed away.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a most estimable lady.  Mr. Lyman 
was numbered among the leading citizens of the county and was greatly respected by all who knew him.  He was 
rather quiet and reserved but was strong in his convictions of right and wrong and was highly esteemed for 
his honesty of purpose and upright life.

The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the schools of New York, and from an early age has made 
his own way in the world.  He chose the trade which his father followed and with him learned carpentering, 
which he followed during his residence in the Empire State.  Having attained to years of maturity he, on the 
20th of January, 1850, led to the marriage altar Miss Betsy A. Jeffers, who like her husband was a native of 
the town of Rose, Wayne County.  Her parents, William and Phoebe (Wiley) Jeffers, became residents of that 
county in an early day, locating in the town of Rose, Waushara County, in 1855, where they passed the remainder 
of their lives.  To Mr. and Mrs. Lyman was born one daughter, Mary E., who became the wife of Ira Coon, a 
prominent citizen of Plainfield, Wis.  Their union has been blessed with three children:  Carrie, Ira L., and 
Royden J.

Believing that his financial condition would be benefited thereby, Mr. Lyman, accompanied by his wife and little 
daughter emigrated to Waushara County, Wis., in 1855, and chose Wautoma as the scene of his future operations.  
His residence in that village covered a period of more than a third of a century and it is safe to say that none
of its citizens are more widely or favorable known.  His upright life commends him to the confidence of all, and 
his genial manner and gentlemanly deportment have made him very popular and won him many friends.  On his arrival 
he resumed work at the trade of carpentering and as it soon became known that he was an expert workman he received 
all the patronage to which he could well attend.  To him great credit can be given  for the rapid advance made 
in the way of improvements in this community since 1855.  He continued to carry on business successfully in that 
line until 1876, when he established himself as a cabinet-maker and furniture dealer.  He also has an undertaking 
establishment in connection with the other branches of his business.  The same enterprise and progressiveness which 
characterized his earlier transactions is shown since he embarked in the new line and his efforts have been attended 
with like success in consequence.  Excellent ability and judicious management combined with his unfailing industry, 
have made him one of the most prosperous citizens of Wautoma.

Through his duties have been manifold he has yet found time to devote to the public interests and has served in 
various official positions.  For many years he was Chairman of the Town Board and was also Town Clerk.  He takes 
a deep interest in political affairs and is a warm advocate of the Republican party and its principles.  When the 
historian visited Mr. Lyman in his pleasant home in Wautoma, he had but just returned from a six weeks' visit to his 
native State after an absence of thirty-two years.  Once more he looked upon the scenes of his childhood and the old 
familiar haunts where many happy hours were passed, but many great changes had taken place.  The companions of his 
boyhood were gray haired men and women, those that remained in the county, but many, like himself, had sought homes 
elsewhere and others had been called to that land whence no traveler returns.  Though glad of the chance to again 
travel the old beaten paths and look upon his old home, nothing could induce him to change his present residence, 
where, surrounded by many warm friends and all the comforts of life, he and his estimable wife expect to pass their 
declining days.






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