The head of this branch of the Lyons family in Cohoes was Patrick Lyons, born in Ireland, of Irish parents and grandparents for many generations. Patrick Lyons came to the United States and settled in West Waterford. He was a carpenter and joiner and worked at his trade until his death in 1897. He married Catherine McGraw. Children: James, Mary, Ella, John F., Margaret G., Martin J., Sarah, Thomas, William Henry (see forward).
(II) William Henry, ninth child of Patrick and Catherine (McGraw) Lyons, was born in Waterford, Saratoga county, New York, May 12, 1875. When he was about one year of age the family removed to Cohoes, where he was, educated in the public schools. He began his business life as clerk in a grocery store, where he remained five years. He then entered the employ of a paper box manufacturing company with whom he continued twelve years. During this period he had become interested in the care and burial of the dead and had often assisted one of the leading undertakers of the city when extra help was needed. Deciding to enter this branch of business for, himself, he went to New York and took a full course at the United States School of Embalming, graduating in 1899. He was also under the instruction of Professor Renouard, an expert authority. He received an undertaker's and embalmers' license from the state authorities, and in 1900 started in business in Cohoes as funeral director and embalmer. His brother John F. Lyons, was his partner, and the firm name Lyons Brothers. In 1903 the partnership was dissolved, John F. retiring, and since has established the same business in Schenectady. William H. continued the business alone, and is now firmly established in public favor. His business is well conducted and prosperous. He is an independent Democrat in politics, and in religion a Roman Catholic, a member of St. Bernard's parish. He served for seven and one-half years in the Cohoes Volunteer Fire Department, and has a fireman's exemption certificate.
He married, April 15, 1903, Delia C. Maloney, born in Cohoes, daughter of Michael and Bridget (Riley) Maloney. Michael was born in Ireland, came to the United States when a young man in 1873, and settled in Cohoes, where he met his death by accidental drowning February 21, 1877. He married Bridget Riley, born in Ireland, came to the United States in 1872, and was married in Cohoes. William H. and Delia C. Lyons have one daughter, Mary Isabel. Two children died in infancy.