Thomas Lyans farm, near Center Junction. It has "Lyans Burr Oak Farm" written on the
back.
My great-great grandparents, Thomas Lyons and Rebecca
Guthrie first came to Jones County in about 1857, and purchased land in
Madison Township. The farm was just immediately to the east of Center
Junction. Thomas Lyons, who later spelled his name LYANS, was also one
of the first elders of the Scotch Grove Presbyterian Church.
My
great-grandfather, Robert Guthrie Lyans, (m. Sarah Jane Barnhill), was
born in Center Junction in 1852. My grandfather, Robert Thompson Lyans,
(m. Bessie Ilene Furst), was born in Center Junction in 1884.
Thomas and Rebecca raised 12 children in Center Junction. In about 1886,
11 of the children and Rebecca, contracted Scarlet Fever and were left
in such poor health that within 2 years, 5 of the children and Rebecca
died. Three more of the children died within the next 10 years. Thomas
remarried to Angeline Knapp and they had one child who died by the age
of 2. I understand that Thomas, Rebecca, Angeline and a number of the
children are buried in the Scotch Grove Cemetery. Robert Guthrie Lyans
moved to La Canada, California about 1910 and he and Sadie lived well
into their 90's. My grandfather, Robert Thompson Lyans also moved from
Jones County in about 1900 and came to California and lived to age 89.
My father, John Robert Lyans, (m. Dorothy Jean Weber) is 82.
Thomas Lyans & Rebecca Guthrie Lyans
Thomas Lyans
Robert Guthrie Lyans, Sarah Jane Barnhill Lyans and their
children.