William B. Lyman is now carrying on a successful farming enterprise on the estate where he was born and where he has spent practically all the days of his life. This is in section 20 of Champaign Township.
He was born at that farm June 26, 1884, a son of John P. and Julia (Ryan) Lyman. His parents were both born in Vermilion County, Illinois, but for many years have lived in Champaign County. Of their five children William B. was the second and is the only one now living. The others in order of age were named Mary, John and Julia, twins, and Thomas D.
William B. Lyman grew up in a rural environment, had the advantages of good home training in addition to the country schools and a course of one term in Brown’s Business College. In 1908, at the age of twenty-four, he rented his father’s farm of 120 acres, and has handled its operations with a high degree of success ever since. Besides general farming he raises considerable stock and is also one of Champaign County’s farmers who devotes considerable attention to poultry.
On February 10, 1908, Mr. Lyman married Mary Jordan, a native of Champaign County and a daughter of Patrick and Ellen Jordan. Her father is now deceased and her mother lives in Champaign. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman are members of the Holy Cross Catholic Church at Champaign. He is affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus, and in politics is a Democrat.