1797 - 1876
Richard Lyons was the first township supervisor of Brighton Township. His terms
in office were the years of 1838 and 1839. The township itself was founded in
1838.
He was married to Martha B. Lyons. They had two sons, Richard J.Lyons. born in 1839 and William C. Lyons born in ????
Mr. Lyon came to Livingston County from New York arriving in 1834. His reason for coming was to purchase land for many of his fellow New Yorkers who at the time were emigrating to Livingston County.
He bought 160 acres in section 22 from William Valentine who had preceded him on the land. That change of ownership occurred in 1836.
Mr. Lyon gave land on which Lyon School was founded in section 22 which was named in his honor
Mr. Lyons died on July 21, 1876 at the age of 79 years 10 months.
Mr. Lyons is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Section B Lot 131 in the City of Brighton. His wife, Martha B. Lyons, lived until 1895. She is buried next to him.
Mr. Lyons Last Will and Testament is transcribed here:
I, Richard Lyons of the town of Brighton in the County of Livingston and State of Michigan Being of Sound mind and memory do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is :
First I give and bequeath unto my son. William C. Lyon. the balance that may remain unpaid at my death apon a certain inventure of M? this day execute and delivers to me by the Law William C. Lyon for the sum of four thousand and five hundred dollars. and being date this tenth day of October A.D. 1867 to have and hold the sum for his own use am benifit absolutely.
Second I give and bequeath unto my son Richard J. Lyon the balance that may remain unpaid at my death apon a certain inventure of M? this day execute and delivers to me by the law Richard J. Lyon for sum of four thousand seven hundred dollars and being date this tenth day of October A.D. 1867 To have to hold the same for his own use and benifit absolutely.
This I give bequeath am devise unto my wife Martha B. Lyons all the rest
? and remainder of my property of whatever name or nature. to have and hold
the same onto the law.Martha B. Lyons sole execute of this my last will and
testament.
In ?whereof I have? unto ? ? and seal this tenth day of October.A.D. 1867
Richard Lyons (L.S.)
